Judge refuses to toss out indictment against La. congressman (William Jefferson D-La)

NOLA ^ | 2/06/08

[Libloather]

Judge refuses to toss out indictment against La. congressman
2/6/2008, 6:07 p.m. CST
The Associated Press

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A judge has refused to toss out an indictment against a Louisiana congressman accused of taking bribes, rejecting the argument that the indictment unconstitutionally infringed on his privileges as a congressman.

The ruling Wednesday could prompt a delay in the trial of Rep. William Jefferson, D-Louisiana, who faces up to 235 years in prison on bribery and other charges.

According to court papers, defense lawyers have indicated they will likely appeal the ruling.

Normally defendants are only allowed to appeal such rulings after a trial has taken place. But because this particular ruling touches on key constitutional questions regarding the separation of powers, the defense is permitted to file a pre-trial appeal.

**SNIP**

[Libloather]

Billy Jeff's trial starts February 25th.

[SandRat]

“Dollar Bill” is going to trial; pass the popcorn.

[VeniVidiVici]

A judge has refused to toss out an indictment against a Louisiana congressman (William Jefferson) accused of taking bribes, rejecting the argument that the indictment unconstitutionally infringed on his privileges as a congressman.

It will be interesting to see if the lamestream media pickup on the fact that a Democrat is arguing that his bribery and corruption charges are unconstitutional because he is a congressman.

[VeniVidiVici]

A judge has refused to toss out an indictment against a Louisiana congressman (William Jefferson) accused of taking bribes, rejecting the argument that the indictment unconstitutionally infringed on his privileges as a congressman.

It will be interesting to see if the lamestream media pickup on the fact that a Democrat is arguing that his bribery and corruption charges are unconstitutional because he is a congressman.

[VeniVidiVici]

A judge has refused to toss out an indictment against a Louisiana congressman (William Jefferson) accused of taking bribes, rejecting the argument that the indictment unconstitutionally infringed on his privileges as a congressman.

It will be interesting to see if the lamestream media pickup on the fact that a Democrat is arguing that his bribery and corruption charges are unconstitutional because he is a congressman.

[UCANSEE2]

You can say that again.

[shiva]

LOL!

[shiva]

LOL!

[Izzy Dunne]

Billy Jeff's trial starts February 25th

Be still my heart.

I was thinking of the other Billy Jeff, WJCx42.

[txroadkill]

Insert freezer jokes here:

I think they got him cold.

They're ganna put him on ice

They're ganna lock him in the cooler.

[BlueNgold]

In case anyone is confused...
From Article I, Section 6 of the United States Constitution:
They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

Seems pretty straight forward to me.
Let's hope he drags this out, takes it to SCOTUS, and embarasses his friends in high places along the way as he loses in ridicule.

Has Speaker Pelosi scheduled the Article I Section 5 expulsion vote yet? Oh, didn't think so. Sickening.

[Grut]

...unconstitutionally infringed on his privileges as a congressman.

Indeed. And if they did, wouldn't the Constitution's prohibition against "an order of nobility" require the court to take those privileges away from all congressmen?

[Drango]

To some extent I believe the GOP lost the last election based upon Haster’s ridiculous objection that congressional privilege prohibited searching Jefferson’s office. What bunk.

[maine-iac7]

constitutionally protected activities by the congressman.

Bhwwaaa ha ha ha

They say that with a straight face. The lies of the loonies are so blatant, and they're told them so long, I think they actually believe them,

Were he a republican, his story would have been above the fold news for the past how many years??? 3 now?

He would also, long ago, been tarred, feathered and ridden out of town the very week his 'cold cash' was pulled out of the freezer - can someone please tell me why he continues to sit in Congress?

[maine-iac7]

You can say that again.

[SmithL]

Nancy Pelosi is deeply disturbed.

[LasVegasMac]

You can say that again.

And again.......and one more time for good measure? :)

When is the last time you did any mouse maintenance?

The left click button needs oil every 12 months or 12 million clicks - which ever comes first.

[maine-iac7]

Seems pretty straight forward to me.

I don't see anything in there that says he's protected "when going to and returning from his bribery payment to his personal freezer in his house" ?

[txroadkill]

[SeaHawkFan]

Michael Vick may be getting a roommate.