Everyone including probably Bob McDonnell was surprised at the 2 year sentence that McDonnell received for his 11 counts of conspiracy, bribery and extortion. Judge James Spencer reduced the sentencing guidelines from a minimum of 10 years to 6 ½ years after argument by both sides. And even with the reduction. McDonnell only received less than 1/3 of the minimum time recommended by the U.S. Department of Probation. All federal cases are subject to sentencing guidelines but a judge may sentence higher or lower than the guidelines. By the remarks of Judge Spencer, it appeared that it hurt him to even sentence McDonnell to those 2 years. And his greatly reduced and much lenient sentence sends a message that for corrupt politicians, crime does pay. McDonnell never fully expressed remorse instead preferring to place blame on his wife for all of his transgressions. He blamed his wife of 39 years who at times single handily raised five children while Mr. McDonnell pursued his … [Read more...] about McDonnell’s 2 Year Sweetheart Deal is no Deterrent
Archives for January 2015
Judgment Day for Bob McDonnell
On Tuesday, Former Republican VA Governor Robert (“Bob”) McDonnell faces the toughest day of his life when he is scheduled to be sentenced by Virginia Judge James Spencer on his 11 counts of corruption. His wife, Maureen McDonnell, is scheduled to be sentenced later on February 20. Judge Spencer has already received sentencing recommendations from the prosecutors and McDonnell’s defense team plus over 400 character letters written on behalf of McDonnell. And just as the case played out in the courtroom, it continues with the same defense theme after the trial. The defense of Bob McDonnell continues to throw wife Maureen McDonnell under the bus as the sole culprit for his demise. Daughters Jeanine McDonnell Zubowsky and Cailin McDonnell Young wrote letters saying in essence that their mother was to blame for everything. And dad, Bob McDonnell, never wished for any lavish items. It was all Mom Maureen’s fault. That defense did not work well with the jury who heard it … [Read more...] about Judgment Day for Bob McDonnell
2015 DC/MD/VA Legal Stories to Watch
In 2015, there will be several interesting local DC/MD/VA legal stories to watch unfold starting this week. On Tuesday, January 6, Former Republican VA Governor Robert (“Bob”) McDonnell is scheduled to be sentenced on his 11 convictions for corruption in office. His wife, Maureen is scheduled to be sentenced later in February. And just as the case played out in the courtroom, it continued with the same theme after the trial. The defense of Bob McDonnell continued to throw wife Maureen McDonnell under the bus as the culprit for his demise. Daughters Jeanine McDonnell Zubowsky and Cailin McDonnell Young wrote letters to the judge saying in essence that their mother was to blame for everything. And dad, Bob McDonnell, never wished for any lavish items. The defense has requested three years of community service, in lieu of any jail time. McDonnell would be lucky to get as little as three years of jail. The prosecutors are seeking a ten year prison term. Over 400 letters of … [Read more...] about 2015 DC/MD/VA Legal Stories to Watch
The Best of LegalSpeaks 2014 Style
The beginning of the year is a time to reflect and start anew. First, I would like to thank all of the readers of Legalspeaks—whether you read often or infrequently, you are a part of the success of LegalSpeaks. I have enjoyed connecting with you over the years. For a final look back over 2014, I would like to review what I considered to be the best of LegalSpeaks. You may have others that you consider to be the best. Please feel free to comment. And again thanks for a great 2014. 2015 is going to be even better. Best wishes for a thought provoking and solution oriented 2015 with a renewed commitment for justice for all. Happy New Year to One and All!! 1. Domestic Violence Month and the NFL As we started Domestic Violence Month, I made a plea for one of the 32 NFL teams to make domestic violence prevention a priority for their team and to go above and beyond what the NFL outlines for their behavior and policy. The NFL's new policy on domestic violence allows for a team to … [Read more...] about The Best of LegalSpeaks 2014 Style