Nacchio Sentencing Series

When Joe Nacchio returns to Denver on July 27th for sentencing, what might he expect from Judge Nottingham?   While the statute related to insider trading prescribes up to ten year prison term, Nottingham will consult the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for guidance.  This Nacchio sentencing series will answer the following questions:

1. What is the range of prison terms Nottingham might consider using the Federal Sentencing Guidelines?
2. What is the purpose of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines legislation?
3. Why are the 1998 Federal Sentencing Guidelines being used rather than the current guidelines?
4. Why are the multiple counts most likely going to run consecutively?
5. To what extent is Nottingham bound by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and under what circumstances can he depart from the Guidelines.