June 28, 2007

Siegelman sentencing guidelines strike back

After sitting here for a few more hours, I’m really not sure we’ll see a sentence today.

One of Scrushy’s attorneys, Carmen Hernandez, is currently arguing her motions for downward departure. (Remember how we talked about that this morning? Are you keeping up at home, kids?) Even though Blakey seemed to have free reign this morning to bounce all over space and time, I believe Judge Fuller getting as impatient as the rest of us for SOME kind of outcome. Revived from lunch, he’s prompted various attorneys several times to keep things on track and moving forward, and I’m sure most of the parties not directly involved in this case appreciate it.

Fuller was able, however, to rule on the downward departure/upward departure motions filed by both sides regarding Siegelman. He saw fit to grant the prosecution’s motion for upward departure, thus raising the base sentencing guidelines for Siegelman from the previously agreed upon 10 to 12 years and a fine of $17,500 to $175,000 to 15 to 19 years and a fine of between $20,000 and $200,000. Fuller said he decided that because he is “convinced that the conduct in which Gov. Siegelman engaged in has damaged the function of the executive branch of government in this state and the public’s confidence in the executive branch.” Interesting stuff, no?

I find pretty telling—what, with HealthSouth being in Birmingham and all that—that the focus of most of the past few days court proceedings have focused mainly on Siegelman, but the public outcry is still so vehemently—and almost solely—against Scrushy. Viewers leaving comments on NBC13.com have been so busy condemning Scrushy, they practically haven’t had any time left to say a word about Siegelman. Just a telling observation.

These past two days have taught me a few things; namely: I’m glad I’m not an attorney, I’m glad I’m not a judge, and I’m really glad I’m not a news photographer, because it’s H-O-T outside and those guys have it rough.