RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell's legal team has filed its opening brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing McDonnell was unfairly convicted on an overly broad definition of bribery.
McDonnell's legal team said Monday it filed its first brief with the high court. In it, his lawyers say the federal government has interpreted bribery law in a way that allows prosecutors "to investigate and indict essentially any official they choose."
A jury in September 2014 convicted McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, of doing favors for wealthy vitamin executive Jonnie Williams in exchange for more than $165,000 in gifts and loans. Williams was seeking state university research on his company's signature anti-inflammatory product.
The case will be argued in April, with a decision expected by the end of June.
