CHICAGO — Ousted Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has more clarity about when he could begin serving time for his corruption convictions.
Federal judge James Zagel set an Oct. 6 sentencing date at a hearing Monday. Blagojevich would likely report to prison a few months later.
Attorney Sheldon Sorosky told Zagel the defense will call people to speak during sentencing about the good Blagojevich accomplished as governor. Sorosky says Blagojevich will also address the judge.
With both sides expected to present testimony, the sentencing hearing could last several days.
Legal observers say Zagel’s likely to sentence Blagojevich to about 10 years for the single conviction at his first trial and the convictions on 17 corruption counts at his retrial.
Those convictions include trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat.
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