Attorney Jerry Summers is asking that the scheduled sentencing of former Sheriff Billy Long in Federal Court on Aug. 18 be delayed.
The attorney said he has been requested by Chattanooga attorney John McClarty to testify in his behalf that day in Nashville on his application for an appointment to the Tennessee Supreme Court.
He also said he has been gathering information about the background of Sheriff Long for use at the sentencing hearing, and he said the delay would give him more time to prepare.
Attorney Summers said prosecutor Gary Humble has no objection to the delay.
The case is before Federal Judge Sandy Mattice.
Former Sheriff Long on May 5 entered guilty pleas to 27 counts, including extortion, money laundering providing a gun to a felon and drug trafficking.
He faces 10 years to life at his sentencing.
Attorney Summers earlier said he hopes to get the sentence under 10 years on an argument that the "safety valve" should apply in the case.
Long remains incarcerated at the Bradley County Jail.