11-02-2008, 03:42 PM
I just came back and saw the posts made subsequent to mine. So, what Stevens actually said was "I've not been convicted yet. There's not a black mark by my name yet, until the appeal is over and I am finally convicted, if that happens. If that happens, of course I'll do what's right for Alaska and for the Senate ... I don't anticipate it happening, and until it happens I do not have a black mark."
It took a while, but after Googling, I think I figured out what he was trying to say. The judge has not yet set a sentencing date, and until Stevens is actually sentenced, he is not considered a convicted felon. However, before sentencing Stevens, the judge will be hearing a series of motions by Stevens' attorneys, including one in which they will be asking for a new trial.
"U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has not yet set a date for sentencing and first must hear a series of post-trial motions, such as one from Stevens seeking a new trial."
So, Stevens said he was not a convicted felon until after the appeals, but what he should have said was that he would not be a convicted felon until after the judge heard and ruled upon the motions that will be brought forth. The judge can deny the motions and continue on with the sentencing. If he does that, then Stevens will become a convicted felon, and he will remain a convicted felon unless and until his conviction is overturned on appeal. If, however, the judge rules favorably on that motion for a new trial, Stevens might die before he's ever found guilty of anything a second time.
It took a while, but after Googling, I think I figured out what he was trying to say. The judge has not yet set a sentencing date, and until Stevens is actually sentenced, he is not considered a convicted felon. However, before sentencing Stevens, the judge will be hearing a series of motions by Stevens' attorneys, including one in which they will be asking for a new trial.
"U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has not yet set a date for sentencing and first must hear a series of post-trial motions, such as one from Stevens seeking a new trial."
So, Stevens said he was not a convicted felon until after the appeals, but what he should have said was that he would not be a convicted felon until after the judge heard and ruled upon the motions that will be brought forth. The judge can deny the motions and continue on with the sentencing. If he does that, then Stevens will become a convicted felon, and he will remain a convicted felon unless and until his conviction is overturned on appeal. If, however, the judge rules favorably on that motion for a new trial, Stevens might die before he's ever found guilty of anything a second time.