Is he an American citizen? If not, he can be deported anyway, after completion of his sentence. So, the end result would be--he would end up right where he is right now.

I understand your concerns. But, (and I am not trying to be unfair) these things you pointed out are all things he should have thought of BEFORE engaging in activity that makes you or I, or anyone in our great country unsafe as a result. Conspiracy is hardly like speeding, or disorderly conduct. Conspiracy is a deliberate act---one you don't just happen to engage in over the course of a normal day. My point is these charges are regarding deliberate planned actions, not just thoughtless moments ( like going ten miles over the speed limit while distracted). So, I don't have that much sympathy for this young man. He planned and chose this course for himself--and I don't mean this unkindly, but--to not hold him accountable would only perpetuate the same. He cannot argue he was some witless unknowing party to this---he understood enough to realize that his actions were criminal and he understood enough to flee when consequences were impending. So, while I don't wish anyone harm, I certainly don't hold the same degree of sympathy in my heart that you do.

I don't know how much time he would get, but I do know three things you need to keep in mind: 1. The more time that goes by, the harder it will be to rectify the situation. 2. Demonstrating a willingness to be compliant and show regret for ones actions can go a long way in lessening the sentence that is handed down. 3. Sooner or later, it WILL catch up to him. It may take a while, but maybe several years down the road, maybe after he has married, or has children, the law will come calling.

Bottom line--there never IS a good time to go to prison. But I suspect now is better than later. Waiting can only hurt his defense.

Good luck.