Does Stevens Still Get Paid? CQ's Q-and-A on Senator's Corruption Conviction

Sen. Ted Stevens , R-Alaska, on Monday was convicted of seven counts related to allegations that he concealed free house renovations and other gifts that senators are required by law (PL 95-521) to report annually.

Q: Will Stevens' age be a factor at sentencing?

A: Not necessarily. The federal sentencing guidelines require judges to consider such factors as a defendant's prior criminal history and the severity of the crime. Judges have wide latitude to depart from the sentencing guidelines, so age could be — but doesn't have to be — factored in when determining a sentence for Stevens, who turns 85 in November.

Each of the seven counts carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, but it would be a near certainty that as a first-time offender Stevens would not be ordered to serve the maximum.

Q: Will Stevens be allowed to go back to the Senate and vote in next month's lame duck session?

A: Yes. Unlike the House, the Senate has no rule that bars members convicted of a felony from voting.