New Jersey Assembly Committee Finds Christie Pal In Contempt

[DonViejo]

ERIC LACH – JANUARY 9, 2014, 2:18 PM EST

A New Jersey legislative committee on Thursday found a former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive in contempt for refusing to answer questions connected to the George Washington Bridge lane closing scandal.

Before the committee voted, Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D), the chairman of the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee, said that David Wildstein's decision to refuse to answer questions from the committee "places him in contempt of this committee, which is a misdemeanor."

Wildstein asserted his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent at the start of the hearing, and his lawyer later argued that the committee would not be acting appropriately if it did find Wildstein in contempt.

"I would submit that the rules that the chair just cited are at variance with the United States and New Jersey constitutions," Wildstein's lawyer, Alan Zegas, said.

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http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/wildstein-contempt

[JimDandy]

1. Wildstein has not been charged with anything yet, so how can he take the fifth?

The contempt charges seem appropriate in those circumstances.

[Swede Atlanta]

2. While I agree with you the 5th Amendment is fairly clear on this point...

that this right only applies in the context of a criminal case, it is generally accepted law that a witness before Congress or other legislative body can invoke the right IF they have reason to believe their testimony MAY BE or IS LIKELY TO BE used against them in a future criminal case.

[JimDandy]

3. Hmm, that's interesting.

I'll look around for the case law(s). Thanks.

[Jersey Devil]

5. So what crime could he be charged with if he did testify?

Unless closing the lanes as part of a political vendetta constitutes a crime he has no right to claim the 5th imo.

[Blue Idaho]

4. Grant him immunity - force him to testify.

He's just a cog in the machine.

[lancer78]

6. Reminds me of

Dave Chappell