An early sentencing take on the Libby trial

As noted here at TalkLeft, plenty of bloggers will be covering the much-anticipated trial of Lewis “Scooter” Libby, which starts today in DC.  Helpfully, this New York Sun article provides a “comprehensive spectator’s guide” to all the action, and it includes this quick an accurate take on sentencing issues:

In theory, Mr. Libby could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison and fined up to $1.25 million, if convicted on all five counts.  However, judges generally observe federal sentencing guidelines, which would call for a much shorter sentence for a defendant like Mr. Libby, who has no criminal record.

I likely won’t follow the trial closely unless and until there is a conviction.  At this point, I suppose I am rooting for Libby to be acquitted on most counts but convicted on one so that the issue of federal sentencing based on acquitted conduct might be spotlighted in this high-profile setting.

Some Libby posts around the time of his indictment:

• More on Lewis Libby’s possible plea and sentencing dynamics
• Will having a “tough” sentencing judge impact Lewis Libby’s plea considerations?
• Sentencing dynamics in CIA leak investigation
• Has Patrick Fitzgerald done guideline calculations?