The News-Press has learned that Peter Greenspun, attorney for Falls Church resident Michael Gardner convicted earlier this month for the sexual assault of two young girls, is currently preparing an appeal of the conviction.

Arlington Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Kendrick’s sentencing in the cases, based on the jury guideline of 22 years in jail, is not due until early September, when a component of the case involving a third girl, declared a mistrial by Judge Kendrick, will also be retried. In September, Kendrick could reduce Gardner’s penalty, but not increase it above the jury’s recommendation.