Ex-Governor Ryan Seeks Release From Prison
CHICAGO (CBS) -- George Ryan's lawyers went before a federal appeals court in Chicago, arguing once again for the former governor's release from prison.
WBBM's Regine Schlesinger reports they're trying to persuade the three-judge panel to throw out a large part of his conviction.
In January, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an emergency plea to free Ryan because of his wife's failing health. His lawyer, former Gov. Jim Thompson, now says that because the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the honest services law, Ryan's most serious convictions should be thrown out.
"It all depends on how this court of appeals sees the facts in this case," Thompson said
This latest appeal has nothing to do with Lura Lynn Ryan's health. However,Thompson says she's dying, so he hopes the appeals court will act quickly on the case. There's no indication when the three-judge panel might issue its ruling.
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"She's not doing well," Thompson said. "The lung disease is worsening."
The 77-year-old Ryan has served 31/2 years of his 61/2 year sentence.
