The federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeal said Wednesday former Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca would be allowed to remain free on bail -- while Baca appeals his convictions on three corruption charges.
Earlier, the trial judge twice refused to allow Baca's release during the appeal.
Baca was convicted earlier this year of conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making false statements -- and was sentenced to three years in federal prison.
Baca's defense attorneys appealed, arguing the trial judge made legal errors in allowing and disallowing certain testimony and evidence.
Prosecutors said Baca directed a scheme in 2011 to try to interfere with a federal grand jury investigation of inmate abuse inside L.A. County jails.