DeLay’s conviction starts lengthy appeals process

HOUSTON (AP) — The conviction of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay doesn’t mean the case against him is ending.

Rather, it is the beginning of a lengthy appeals process.

DeLay’s lead attorney Dick DeGuerin is confident the appellate court in Austin, Texas, will rule in his favor because it has in the past.

DeLay was convicted Wednesday of illegally funneling corporate money to Texas candidates in 2002. He and his attorneys argue the former Houston congressman did nothing wrong because no corporate funds went to Texas candidates.

Some experts say such unprecedented cases like DeLay’s immediately raise the interest of the appellate courts.

But others say Texas’ conservative courts do not usually side with defendants.