ROCKFORD – The defense for an Algonquin attorney involved in a murder-for-hire plot was granted a continuance Wednesday so it can interview men who attorneys say back up the idea that their client was being extorted.

Jason Smiekel previously pleaded guilty to solicitation of murder using interstate commerce and faces up to 10 years in prison. He is not trying to withdraw the guilty plea, but wants to present the judge with information that could be factored in when the sentence is handed down Nov. 28.

The intended target was Smiekel’s fianceé’s ex, who also was Smiekel’s client at one point.