Vick Faces No Nonsense Judge Monday Morning

Necro · 12-10-2007, 06:01 AM

RICHMOND, Va. -- There are still a lot of questions about how Michael Vick's behavior will affect how much time he serves for a federal dogfighting conspiracy conviction.

Will the disgraced NFL quarterback benefit from his public apology, or by voluntarily starting his prison term early? Will his use of use of drugs while awaiting sentencing hurt him?

The only man who knows the answers is U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson, who will sentence Vick on Monday.

Vick faces up to five years in prison. Hudson is not bound by sentencing guidelines that suggest a year to 18 months, or by any recommendation made by prosecutors.

Hudson already has sentenced 2 of Vick's co-defendants to 18 months and 21 months. Those sentences were slightly more than prosecutors recommended, but still within the guidelines.

The judge also could hear from witnesses. According to the court, the sentencing hearing is expected to last two to four hours.

Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, did not respond to an e-mail inquiry about possible character witnesses and whether Vick would directly address the court.

Twist of lEMOn · 12-10-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson could have sentenced the suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback to up to five years. Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs.

Vick also received three years' probation. With nearly a month already served, Vick would be scheduled for release in October 2009.

Vick, wearing a black-and-white prison jumpsuit, had no visible reaction when Hudson issued his punishment. Vick apologized to the court and his family.

In his plea agreement in August, Vick -- who waived his right to appeal his sentence then -- admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his 15-acre property in rural southeastern Virginia and helping kill pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.

Well...I guess his careers over

Dakstang · 12-10-2007, 12:10 PM

This comes from msnbc.com

Vick hit with 23 month prison sentence

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick was dressed in a black-and-white striped prison suit and apologized to the court and his family.
Vick pleaded guilty in August, admitting he bankrolled the "Bad Newz Kennels" dogfighting operation and helped kill six to eight dogs.

In a plea agreement, he admitted bankrolling the dogfighting ring on his 15-acre property in rural southeastern Virginia and helping kill pit bulls that did not perform well in test fights. He also admitted providing money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings.

Hudson already sentenced two of Vick's co-defendants to 18 months and 21 months â€” slightly more than prosecutors recommended, but still within the guidelines.

Legal experts said Hudson's willingness to stick to the guidelines in those cases was a positive sign for Vick, but by no means a guarantee he will get similar treatment because so many factors could work against him.

Defendants typically get credit for acceptance of responsibility and contrition. Vick apologized at a news conference after entering his guilty plea, and he will have an opportunity to speak directly to the court before he is sentenced.

Vick's lead attorney, Billy Martin, did not respond to an e-mail inquiry about possible character witnesses and whether Vick would directly address the court.
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Wow. That is surprising.

Necro · 12-10-2007, 02:31 PM

wow thats actually pretty good. He's a young guy he'll make a comeback I think. Although Tyson was never the same after his sentence...

Vick Faces No Nonsense Judge Monday Morning

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