By AP/KWMU
Chicago, Ill. – Former Illinois governor George Ryan will be sentenced today (Wednesday). He was convicted in April on corruption charges.
Prosecutors want him to serve eight to ten years. But Ryan's attorneys say the 72 year old would be getting a life sentence with any sentence more than a few months.
Ryan's lawyers also are expected to ask that Ryan be allowed to stay free on bond during the appeal of his case.
Ryan's friend, businessman-lobbyist Larry Warner, was also convicted in April.
Defense attorneys say Ryan has reached advanced age and that anything more than a short term could easily be a life sentence. Asking U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer to let Ryan to remain free on bond during the appeal is a rare move, but not unheard of. Prosecutors are expected to object.