Scooter gets 2.5 years
Scooter Libby was just sentenced to 30 months in jail and $200,000 $250,000 fine.
per Firedoglake
Except he won't be going to jail right away, dammit. He gets to stay out during the appeal. Which means he'll probably get a Bush pardon before he ever serves a day of that sentence. But can Bush do that? Don't they have to serve at least part of their sentence before being pardoned? The judge will be deciding whether or not he will be able to stay out during appeal, but right now it looks like he might be going to jail in 45-60 days.
Here's liveblog words from Judge Walton, via FDL:
Need to consider seriousness of offense. Investigation extremely serious. Conduct of Mr Libby is serious behavior. Has to be a sentence that promotes respect for law. Indivs should understand there are consequences. Obviously, punishment has to be considered. Statue does call for just punishment, In reference to deterrence, nothing in this case, based on Libby's history that would suggest that specific deterrence needs to be major concern. Considering the things he has done. No reason to believe he would commit another crime. General deterrence is important. people who occupy positions of responsibility have to appreciate taht if they step over a line, there are consequences. It causes people to lose faith in our govt. That's a major consideration.
Obviously, statute requires sentence that protects public. I have to consider the type of sentences available, I have option of imposing sentence from probation to max, I have to consider need to avoid disparities. Creates real challenge. Bc. Obviously, one one hand, there are reasons why departure might be appropriate, On other hand, consdiering nature of offense, that conduct in my view counters against imposing a sentence that departs. In the end, my view that those factors balance themselves out, which causes me to conclude that sentence does fall and should fall within the guidelines.
I don't think high end is necessary. 30 months FIne him $250,000
Within 72 hours report to probation department and abide by supervised release.
In ref to obstruction, 30 months, To other counts, to 15 months, concurrent. Supervised release for 2 years following release from detenino.
He must provide sample of DNA, he will be required to contribute 400 hour of community service.
per Firedoglake
Except he won't be going to jail right away, dammit. He gets to stay out during the appeal. Which means he'll probably get a Bush pardon before he ever serves a day of that sentence. But can Bush do that? Don't they have to serve at least part of their sentence before being pardoned? The judge will be deciding whether or not he will be able to stay out during appeal, but right now it looks like he might be going to jail in 45-60 days.
Here's liveblog words from Judge Walton, via FDL:
Need to consider seriousness of offense. Investigation extremely serious. Conduct of Mr Libby is serious behavior. Has to be a sentence that promotes respect for law. Indivs should understand there are consequences. Obviously, punishment has to be considered. Statue does call for just punishment, In reference to deterrence, nothing in this case, based on Libby's history that would suggest that specific deterrence needs to be major concern. Considering the things he has done. No reason to believe he would commit another crime. General deterrence is important. people who occupy positions of responsibility have to appreciate taht if they step over a line, there are consequences. It causes people to lose faith in our govt. That's a major consideration.
Obviously, statute requires sentence that protects public. I have to consider the type of sentences available, I have option of imposing sentence from probation to max, I have to consider need to avoid disparities. Creates real challenge. Bc. Obviously, one one hand, there are reasons why departure might be appropriate, On other hand, consdiering nature of offense, that conduct in my view counters against imposing a sentence that departs. In the end, my view that those factors balance themselves out, which causes me to conclude that sentence does fall and should fall within the guidelines.
I don't think high end is necessary. 30 months FIne him $250,000
Within 72 hours report to probation department and abide by supervised release.
In ref to obstruction, 30 months, To other counts, to 15 months, concurrent. Supervised release for 2 years following release from detenino.
He must provide sample of DNA, he will be required to contribute 400 hour of community service.