RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Lawyers say the appeal of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's corruption convictions could take almost as long as his two-year prison sentence itself.
In a court filing late Monday, McDonnell's attorneys reiterated their request that he remain free pending appeal.
They argue that McDonnell would be deprived of a meaningful appeal if he's required to serve the bulk of his sentence before it's resolved. And they say the appeal will raise substantial questions, including whether the government's interpretation of an "official act" is correct.
Prosecutors say McDonnell hasn't made a compelling case for granting his request for bail pending appeal.
A jury last year found McDonnell and his wife guilty of taking gifts and loans from a vitamin executive in exchange for promoting his products. He was sentenced Jan. 6.
