Ryan's Attorneys Argue For Release... Again

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 22, 2010 8:00PM

Former Governor George Ryan's attorneys were in court again today arguing that he be released from prison based on the Supreme Court's narrower definitions of the honest services law. They're arguing that, under the narrower definitions, Ryan wouldn't have been convicted for receiving gifts in exchange for state contracts and leases.

Ryan's attorneys also argued that he be released on bond immediately, citing the declining health of his wife Lura Lynn. Ryan's attorneys have said that Lura Lynn ruan may have months to live.

"What harm does the government suffer if we're wrong and he has to go back and finish his time? He has done a substantial amount of time, and he has lost his reputation. He has lost his pension. He has lost everything."

There's recent precedent for this. Former Sun-Times plutocrat Conrad Black was released from prison while the case against him is being reconsidered, and attorneys for Tony Rezko have said that they also plan on having his conviction overturned based on the narrower guidelines of the honest services law.