A source close to the Michael Vick situation told ESPN's Kelly Naqi that prosecutors will recommend a sentence of 12 to 18 months. The official said such a sentence would be more than what is usually recommended for first-time offenders, reflecting the government's attempt to show that animal abusers will receive more than a slap on the wrist. U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson is not bound by prosecutors' recommendations or the sentencing guidelines and will have the final say.