© 2024
Virginia's Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

What's Happening Behind Closed Courthouse Doors In McDonnell Case? ?

Associated Press

Former Governor Bob McDonnell had his conviction overturned by the United States Supreme Court, but that doesn’t mean his legal troubles are over yet. And now, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals is granting a delay in the case. 

What’s going on behind closed doors at the Justice Department? For now, lawyers for former Governor Bob McDonnell aren’t saying. And neither are federal prosecutors. But both sides asked for a delay so they can keep conferring with each other. Virginia legal expert Rich Kelsey says that may mean prosecutors are still interested in moving forward with a second trial. 

“I think there are probably people inside that building who spent a lot of time and a lot of professional credibility building a strong case, and before they decide to drop this matter they want to examine that evidence very carefully to see if they can build a case."

Carl Tobias at the University of Richmond says the latest development may be an indication that the two sides are trying to strike a deal. 

“They may be negotiating some kind of a settlement that would have the McDonnells serve a short period of time in jail or something like that rather than to have to go through another trial."

McDonnell already rejected an earlier offer to plead guilty to a banking share. That was before he was convicted on 11 counts of corruption. Now the two sides have until next month to figure out next steps

Related Content