Appeals court to hear Bonds’ appeal on Feb 13

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A federal appeals court will hear Barry Bonds‘ appeal of his obstruction of justice conviction early next year.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday scheduled oral arguments for Feb. 13 before a three-judge panel in San Francisco.

The career home run leader was convicted in April 2011 of one felony obstruction count for giving an evasive, rambling reply during a 2003 grand jury appearance when asked whether he received drugs that required a syringe.

The jury deadlocked on three charges he made false statements, and prosecutors dropped those counts in August 2011.

U.S. District Judge Susan Illston sentenced Bonds to 30 days of house arrest, two years of probation, 250 hours of community service in youth-related activities and a $4,000 fine. She delayed imposing the sentence pending the appeal.

Bonds‘ lawyers argue the answer was accurate and not meant to obstruct.

Bonds initially was charged in November 2007.

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