Many observers thought McDonnell was most vulnerable on the charges of making a false statement to a financial institution, he said, but the jury ended up acquitting him on those counts and putting “the hammer down on all the central charges” involving corruption.

The McDonnells were found not guilty on the two financial counts.

Sentencing range

Defense attorneys argued that the McDonnells’ marriage was so fractured that they could not have conspired to aid Williams. They further said the former governor did not give Star Scientific any special treatment or access that his administration would not have given any other Virginia company.

The jury not only rejected McDonnell’s defense that he was unaware of Williams’ corrupt intent but also “resoundingly rejected” his argument that marital dysfunction prevented the couple from conspiring, Holsworth said.

Andrew G. McBride, a former federal prosecutor and now a partner at Wiley Rein, said a likely sentencing guideline range for both defendants is a total of 30 to 37 months for the lead counts of public corruption.

“Mrs. McDonnell will likely face an additional six to eight months due to her conviction for obstruction,” he said.