The medic was sentenced to four years incarceration yesterday (29.11.11) for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson but those close to him believe he could be allowed to serve most of the time under house arrest because of the non violent nature of his crime.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "Dr. Murray`s lawyers are actually relieved that Judge Pastor didn`t sentence him to community service, like Lindsay Lohan is doing at the morgue. That would have been an absolute nightmare for him, as he would certainly be mocked, and it wouldn`t have been safe for him to be picking up trash on the freeway or cleaning up graffiti.

"Judge Pastor actually did Murray a favor by maxing him out."

Because of overcrowding in California correctional facilities, Dr. Murray was sent to Los Angeles County Jail but the decision to release him on house arrest would have to be approved by Sheriff Lee Baca.

The source added: "The Sheriff will determine when Dr. Murray will be released on house arrest. Dr. Murray is hoping that he will be released by Christmas. His lawyers have told him that is a real possibility."
sections: Celebrities