Sealed vs. unsealed indictments. Need a little help here.

[happydreams]

On the radio I heard the tail end of a lawyers take on sealed indictments. He said that sealed indictments are inappropriate for Plame gate because they are designed to protect witnesses and others involved in the case.

Any lawyers out here who can clarify this?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. It just means

that the contents of the indictment aren't made public until the named defendant is arrested and brought in for arraignment.

I doubt that there's anything gonna be sealed in this matter.

The bill is in the mail ............

[Seansky]

2. do you doubt at that there will be any indictments?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

3. I doubt everything

when I know nothing, and I know nothing.

[Jersey Devil]

4. He is half right

Sealed indictments are also used when an investigation is continuing so that those involved do not know what facts you plan to allege against the other defendants. In an indictment for conspiracy, for example, the acts in furtherance of the conspiracy are spelled out. If those not charged yet can see what a prosecutor is relying on in terms of factual allegations they may try to alter the evidence to avoid prosecution themselves.

[Seansky]

5. what is your speculation about the Fitz asking for extension? What would

be the reason?

[Jersey Devil]

6. To add more bodies to the pile

1 - As people realize how much trouble they are in they will make deals and implicate others or add evidence against others, perhaps higher up the ladder.

2 - To followup on recently developed leads into related matters. Did they know that the Niger docs were forgeries when they went to congress and said Saddam was after yellowcake? If they lied to congress or hid their knowledge that the docs were forgeries they could be indicted for lying to congress.

3 - The ultimate question. What did Bush know about Niger/Plame and when did he know it.

Remember Watergate? All the little plea deals leading up to snaring Tricky? Same principle.

[happydreams]

7. Thank you very much for this. Excellent information.