I'm going out on a limb....This grand jury MAY NOT BE OVER.

[Justice Is Comin]

Nobody has received a target letter yet. That's the next step.

Now, I believe just because someone gets a target letter, that means nothing without the indictment. What that is though, is a VERY strong suggestion and one last opportunity that you MAY want to tell us a little more than you have.

This gives a smaller fish one more opportunity to roll over on a much bigger fish. This is exactly what Fitzgerald would want. And if that happens, there would certainly be a desire and necessity to extend the grand jury to hear that testimony. Fitzgerald would use this to make sure his case is iron tight.

I'm not so sure that couldn't happen, or won't. Remember, no target letters yet to anybody.

[ShockediSay]

1. I got the impression from the last ABC Sunday news show

that a defendant's lawyer could "waive off" a target letter. Like "thanks, but no thanks."

This is the subject for a real white collar crime defense attorney.

[pacalo]

2. I saw that; it was Rove's lawyer they were talking about.

They had a good laugh over it, too. :)

[Carolab]

3. Guidelines

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/eousa/foia_reading_room/usam/title9/11mcrm.htm#9-11.153

[cynatnite]

4. Is a target letter required? n/t

[EST]

9. No

[lovuian]

5. Justice dept warned Rove that he maybe indicted

I don't know if thats a target letter but thats pretty explicit to me!!!

[hang a left]

6. I am gonna go out on a limb here and say.....

Everyone that is going to be indicted was notified through their attorneys on Monday and they will be announced tomorrow.

[Swamp Rat]

7. What is a "target letter?"

What are you talking about?

[Garbo 2004]

10. Plame investigation grand jury. Target letters usually (but not always)

sent to folks who are being investigated by a grand jury for criminal activity and are likely, in the prosecutor's judgement, to be indicted.

Rove's attorney has in the past made a point of saying that Rove hadn't received a target letter. Luskin has claimed that a target letter must be sent prior to any indictment being issued against an individual. That really isn't so. (Per the DOJ grand jury procedure manual.)

[Syrinx]

8. how do you know no target letters have been received? n/t

[Justice Is Comin]

13. It would be the best kept secret next to

what has been said in the grand jury. And I just have a hard time believing that news wouldn't have gotten out.

I think it's possible he could be preparing target letters this week and allowing for anyone to approach him with a "maybe I can tell you more than I testified to."

In a case of this magnitude, even though not mandatory, it has been long established protocol that target letters are given. Even the White House McClellan said they want to know about target letters for anyone implicated so they would have a chance to respond.

That's exactly how he did it in Chicago. Made plea concessions to the lower levels to get the big kahuna.

I'm just sayin'.

[emulatorloo]

11. How do you know "no target letters?" because Rove's lawyer told you?

I think there have been target letters. . .to Rove and Libby. Because I have not heard their lawyers claim otherwise since Friday.

[mattomjoe]

12. there were rumors about a week or so ago....

that Fitzgerald might ask for an extension for the grand jury due to new information, but I haven't heard anything more about it.