What Next For Dr Murray?

What would happen to Dr Conrad Murray IF he were found guilty of killing Michael Jackson?
We all know by heart that the maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter in California is four years in prison.
It appears extremely unlikely that Dr Murray, if convicted, would serve anything like that.
Legal experts in California say a man with no previous convictions, found guilty of a crime not involving extreme violence or a weapon, would not normally expect to receive the maximum sentence.
In fact, they say, there is a very good chance that he would be sent to a lower category county jail rather than a state penitentiary.
The rule of thumb for those sent to a county jail is that they serve 60 days for every year of the sentence handed down - so sentenced to two years, serve four months.
Many of those sent to county jails are also often released to house arrest, albeit forced to wear an electronic tag, pretty early in their sentence.
Anyone sentenced to time at the tougher state prisons would expect to serve half the time ordered.
Those are the realities of punishment in California at the moment - and there is another very big factor to consider.
The United States Supreme Court has ordered the state to reduce its prison population by 34,000 over the next two years because of chronic overcrowding.
The state, which has the largest 'corrections' system in the country, currently holds 144,000 inmates in its prisons, at a staggering 180 per cent capacity.
(By comparison, prisons in England and Wales - population 54 million - hold 87,000 inmates. California's population is 37 million.)
Right now, California is having to move inmates, some of them convicted of serious offences, from state prisons to county jails and probation offices, much to the concern of local police and communities.
And the state is looking to cut thousands of prison staff to help cure its crippling budget problems.
These problems weigh heavily on the state's judiciary and are worth bearing in mind as Dr Murray's case edges towards its conclusion.
Sentencing will be in the hands of Judge Michael Pastor and may not happen for several weeks after the verdict is delivered.
Dr Murray, of course, denies the charge and is reported to have turned down a plea deal because he was determined to clear his name completely. His medical licences are also on the line.
The simple fact is that if he is found NOT guilty he will walk free.