Attorneys for former House Speaker Michael Madigan have formally asked that he remain free on bond pending appeal of his conviction on sweeping corruption charges, arguing in a filing Monday night

The former Illinois House speaker is asking that he be allowed to stay out of prison during his appeal in the federal bribery case — an area of criminal law his attorneys say is among the most complex and “rapidly evolving.

Madigan was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison​, following his conviction on bribery, conspiracy, and fraud charges.