Jury begins deliberations in John Edwards case

Former presidential candidate and Sen. John Edwards, left, arrives at a federal courthouse in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, May 17, 2012. Edwards has pleaded not guilty to six counts related to campaign finance violations over nearly $1 million from two wealthy donors used to help hide the Democrat's pregnant mistress as he sought the White House in 2008. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

GREENSBORO, N.C. â€" Â A jury has started deliberations in the campaign corruption trial for former presidential candidate John Edwards.

Jurors are considering six criminal counts against Edwards. Prosecutors say Edwards took money from two wealthy donors to hide his pregnant mistress while seeking the White House in 2008. Edwards' attorneys say he did not knowingly commit any crime.

The jury heard about 17 days of testimony, but did not hear from Edwards or his mistress, Rielle Hunter.

Prosecutors say Edwards solicited $1 million from the donors because he wanted to win the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. The defense says the money was meant to hide the affair from Edwards' cancer-stricken wife.

Edwards faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of all six counts.