![FILE - Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver exits the Manhattan U.S. District Courthouse in New York City, U.S., May 3, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly](http://www.vosizneias.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/RTX2COU2-layout-comp-725x483.jpg)
Manhattan, NY – A former New York Assembly speaker convicted in a $5 million corruption case is asking to remain free pending appeal.
Lawyers for Democrat Sheldon Silver said Friday the U.S. Supreme Court is considering changing the limits of a law used to convict him. They say the change may cause a reversal of his conviction.
The 72-year-old Manhattan resident was sentenced last week to 12 years in prison. He’s scheduled to report to prison July 1.
His lawyers have asked a judge to block collection of a $1.75 million fine and a $5.3 million forfeiture order until appeals are completed. They say he otherwise will have to sell homes he jointly owns with his wife.
A U.S. attorney’s office spokeswoman has declined to comment.
As reported by Vos Iz Neias