Bob McDonnell has a temporarily reprieve from prison time.
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The former Republican governor, once widely considered a possible running mate to former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney, was sentenced in January to two years in prison.
The Supreme Court is the last chance for McDonnell to stay free.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, also based in Richmond, ordered that McDonnell be sent to prison even while he appeals his conviction to the Supreme Court.
McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were convicted of taking gifts and loans in exchange for political favors. The former governor has until November . 9 to file his petition with the Supreme Court, and the justices would likely take many weeks after that considering whether they should hear the matter.
But Roberts stayed that motion Monday, saying in a court order that he wants government prosecutors to brief the court no later than Wednesday afternoon on why they believe McDonnell should start his sentence now.
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Maureen McDonnell is still asking the lower appeals court to vacate her convictions or give her a new trial.
