Lawyer: Blagojevich is optimistic

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 15 (UPI) -- After one year in prison, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is optimistic his conviction will be overturned, a lawyer said Friday.

"He believes justice in the end will prevail," Lauren Kaeseberg said in a Chicago Tribune report.

Blagojevich is in a prison in Colorado.

"He wakes up every day in a horrible place and that's what gets him through every day, is a belief that in the end the right thing will happen."

Appellate lawyer Len Goodman said Blagojevich is "in good spirits," Politico reported.

"He misses his wife, Patty, and his daughters, Amy and Annie. His family visit him as often as they can make the trip to Colorado."

The opening brief for Blagojevich's appeal is due April 25, Goodman said.

Blagojevich was convicted of 17 corruption-related charges in 2011 and was later sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Blagojevich is teaching other inmates, setting goals for himself and calling his family daily, the Tribune said.