Submitted by Fox First at Ten on July 20th
CHICAGO (AP) - Imprisoned ex-Illinois Gov. George Ryan's attorneys are ready for what could be a last shot at a new trial.
However, Friday's arguments before the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals come just a year before the end of Ryan's 6 1/2-year sentence.
Attorneys have appealed his 2006 conviction on crimes including tax fraud.
The Supreme Court ordered the appeals court to revisit arguments. Last year, the lower court rejected arguments that the convictions should be tossed.
The high court upheld the convictions but concluded defense attorneys didn't make a timely objection to jury instructions about "honest services" laws.
Chances for a new trial are slim.
But if so, Ryan attorneys believe prosecutors won't go through a new trial and Ryan could be released on time served.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Comments