McDonnell’s attorneys filed their petition Tuesday, arguing that he was convicted based on an overly broad definition of corruption that puts all elected officials at risk of prosecution. The justices have no deadline for deciding whether to consider the appeal.
Advertisement
Oral arguments in Maureen McDonnell’s appeal were scheduled for later this month.
A federal appeals court on Wednesday put former Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell’s legal challenge to her public corruption convictions on hold, apparently agreeing with defense attorneys that it was best to wait for Supreme Court action in her husband’s case.
She and former governor Robert McDonnell were found guilty previous year of accepting thousands of dollars worth of gifts and favors from a Virginia businessman who sought their help in promoting diet supplements made from tobacco. Both were sentenced to prison but remain free while they pursue appeals.
Attorneys for Mrs. McDonnell have requested her appeal be delayed until after the Supreme Court decides whether to hear her husband, former Governor Bob McDonnell’s corruption appeal.
Advertisement
A hearing on Maureen McDonnell’s appeal had been set for October 29. A federal appeals court on Wednesday put her legal challenge on hold.
