Question: If Libby pleads guilty, what is the probable sentence?

[the_spectator]

We've all heard the "30 years" thing (a maximum?) But considering that Fibby has "no priors" (no criminal record), if he wants to just plead guilty to the charges that he has against him now, could he get a bearable sentence, like a year maybe? If so, he likely will do that to put the cap on this investigation, and to NOT HAVE TO TALK.

Lawyers? Law mavens? What could Fibby get?

(This question was prompted in part by hearing accidentally a piece of a talk radio show tonight - Ed Koch of all people. Ed said basically, "This is felony. Normally, first offense, the defendant will agree to plead guilty, in return, he will be convicted for a misdemeanor, not a felony; and no prison time. Now I think old Ed's scenario is NOT necessarily solid at all, but I still wonder whether Fibby can just clam up and take a year or so.)

[MADem]

1. Five to ten, with time off for good behavior

But he will get a pardon right after the 08 elections. So, if he can slow down his march to the AssPen, with continuances, delays, and appeals, he may not do much time at all!

[the_spectator]

3. Thanks. If it is 5 to 10, I guess Fibby needs a pardon. But

how do you know it's "5 to 10"? That's not popping into your head because of a song re-write, is it? :) ("Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again / With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.")

[MADem]

7. I am basing it on the seriousness of the crime mitigated by his

thirty or more years of government service--he has been at State, Defense and the WH. He has no priors, he is an upstanding citizen. A big first offense, but still, a first offense. Then you have to consider the possibility of recividism, and that is unlikely, as he will be a pariah in government. He will also be disbarred, no doubt.

So five to ten seems like a tough--but not too tough--sentence, but he will likely get pardoned, so if he is in jail after the 08 elections and before the inauguration, he will be getting a pardon for Xmas.

[the_spectator]

8. Thanks for the considered and informed response,

despite my levity! Thanks! :patriot:

[Mind_your_head]

9. Didn't see what you edited (and you don't explain)

Your 'patriot' smiley reminds me of Rove saluting (to ?) this morning. (Wish I could find that pic somewhere to post here - who/what was he saluting?)

[the_spectator]

10. Sorry, I often end up editing out spelling errors and typos a minute...

or so after my post goes up! I tend to see them there after I miss them in the "Preview" to a post!

[Mind_your_head]

13. What's so hard about identifying what the edit was?

It's a matter of integrity....and people DO notice (and they notice if what you're saying about the edit is 'true' too)

[the_spectator]

15. I had spelled "despite" as "dispite" /nt

[the_spectator]

11. Also, yeah, you got me. I'm secretly Karl Rove, just looking for info...

as I figure out how to keep the wraps on all this! It looks like we'll have to go with the pardon. Dammit!

[Mind_your_head]

2. Isn't there something about people in 'higher positions '

having to uphold 'higher standards' ... and so when they breach those standards, are held into higher account (and hence, should/would be punished more severely)?

[TahitiNut]

4. I subscribe to that. They have a public trust ... and BETRAYED us.

I regard such betrayals, particularly for narrow partisan vengeance or cover-up of large criminal enterprises, to be especially egregious. If I were a sentencing judge, I'd throw the book at him. For me, That wouldn't be affected at all by his political party, of course.

[Mind_your_head]

6. The 9th circle of hell is for betrayers. eom

[TahitiNut]

14. Yep. I tend to agree with Dante ... with BIG exceptions.

The Ninth Circle is the worst, even worse than hypocrisy which is the Eighth Circle


Sadly, under the Aristotelan ethic that Dante presents, betrayal of one's Lord and Benefactor is the worst of the worst ... worse than betrayal of family, of nation, or of sibling. I just don't buy that shit.

[opihimoimoi]

5. He should be drawn and quartered using Nascars....Jimmy Johnson and Tony

Stewart could be drivers....

[MADem]

12. Well, a show of remorse can help at sentencing, if done right

He may not mean it, but if he can act contrite, ashamed and regretful, that's always good for lowering the total period of incarceration!

[Historic NY]

16. Federal Sentencing Guidelines...........

http://www.ussc.gov/guidelin.htm