Ex-Virginia first lady wants corruption charges overturned

In the wake of the former Virginia governor’s failed retrial bid, attorneys for Robert McDonnell announced their plan to appeal his corruption charges before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Her lawyers note that the former first lady was never a public official and argue a federal bribery law applies differently to her than it does to her husband.

Both McDonnells were convicted in September of lending the prestige of the governor’s office to Richmond businessman Jonnie R. Williams Sr.in exchange for $177,000 in loans, vacations and luxury goods. Oral arguments for Maureen McDonnell’s appeal are scheduled for October. 29.

Prosecutors are expected to respond to the former first lady’s filing next month.

“The issue in this case is whether an ordinary citizen who was not a public official was on fair notice that Governor McDonnell’s actions would be deemed a violation of the federal bribery statutes”, the lawyers wrote. His wife was sentenced on February 20 to one year and one day in prison.

McDonnell has been allowed to remain free as his case was under consideration in the appeals process. McDonnell says his case clearly raises important legal questions that merit Supreme Court review.