Michael Vick will learn Dec. 10 how long he will spend in federal prison, a decision that sits solely with U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson.

Federal sentencing guidelines call for a maximum of five years behind bars and a $250,00 fine for the one count of conspiracy Vick pleaded guilty to Monday. Prosecutors, however, asked for 12 to 18 months in court documents. Hudson, known for handing out tough sentences, questioned Vick several times during Monday’s hearing to make sure the quarterback understood the judge’s discretion.

“You’re taking your chances here,” Hudson told Vick before accepting the plea bargain. “You’ll have to live with whatever ruling I make.”

Hudson’s decision will be based on a report from a federal probation officer and any evidence presented during the Dec. 10 sentencing hearing.

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Federal prisoners have no chance at parole, Hudson said, and are guaranteed to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.

“If I think you deserve five years, I’ll sentence you to five years and you cannot appeal,” the judge said.

U.S Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said Monday that his office agreed to the plea bargain because Vick and his three co-defendants admitted their actions deserve more than the usual punishment under the federal guidelines, which is no more than six months in prison.

The Dec. 10 hearing will likely take several hours. Billy Martin, Vick’s lead defense attorney, said “the real Mike Vick” would come out during sentencing, “not the aberration” portrayed in court documents.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com