RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A judge has lowered the sentencing guideline range for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell to about 6 1/2 years to 8 years in federal prison for his public corruption convictions.
The U.S. Probation Office had calculated a range of 10 to 12 years, which prosecutors agreed with.
U.S. District Judge James Spencer said Tuesday that an "obstruction of justice" enhancement shouldn't count toward those guidelines, saying McDonnell shouldn't be punished for giving testimony that the jury did not believe.
McDonnell was convicted of 11 public corruption counts for selling the influence of his office to the CEO of a dietary supplements company. His lawyers are seeking three years of community service.
The judge is not bound by the guidelines. He is hearing arguments before issuing his decision.
Judge Lowers Sentencing Guidelines for Ex-Virginia Governor
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