Pirate's Cove

Seems like everyone is reporting that the case will be dropped today

RALEIGH, N.C. — The three men indicted in the Duke lacrosse sexual assault case could learn this week whether state prosecutors plan to bring them to trial or drop the charges, a person close to the case said Tuesday.

The attorney general's office, which has said for several weeks it was close to completing its investigation since taking the case from the district attorney, has wrapped up additional interviews, said the person, who spoke to the Associated Press on a condition of anonymity because a formal announcement has not been made.

A spokeswoman for the state attorney general's office said Tuesday no announcement in the case was scheduled. No motions or court papers were filed in the case on Tuesday.

"There is some hope that there might be an answer from the attorney general this week at some point," said defense attorney Wade Smith, who represents player Collin Finnerty.

All the players are gathered in the Triangle, waiting to see what the answer will be. Quite frankly, I would be surprised if the case wasn't dismissed, now that it is in the hands of the NC Attorney General, Roy Cooper, however, as this case shows, anything can happen.

ABC news is reporting that the charges will be dropped, period, as covered by Sister Toldjah, La Shawn Barber, Wizbang and many others.

Captain Ed is discussing disbarring Nifong.

Many are talking about Nifong being sued. As I have mentioned in the past, he deserves to be, however, any monetary payouts will come from the State coffers, meaning that the people of North Carolina get to pay for Nifongs folly.

For a change, I actually agree with Talk Left (mostly)

Question: If the charges are dropped because of lack of evidence or because the accuser won't cooperate, what should be the remedy for the boys? Their lives — and that of their families — have been turned upside down and into a hell for the past year. Their schooling has been interrupted, their reputations trashed.

I put much of the blame for this travesty of a case on D.A. Mike Nifong. If he hadn't glommed on to the media and made outrageously inappropriate comments in the beginning, jumping to the support of the accuser before the facts were in, much of the damage could have been avoided.

Redstate: "where do I go to get my reputation back?"

Reason Magazine: Of course Cooper should not only criticize Nifong, but bring charges against the man. But I seriously doubt that happens. (WT: me too)

John In Carolina has a good wrapup.

Time to just wait and see if we are a country of Law, as the Founders intended.

Afternoon Update: All charges are dropped

RALEIGH – State Attorney General Roy Cooper today said he would drop sexual offense and kidnapping charges against three former lacrosse players from Duke University, ending the criminal phase of an inflammatory case that drew national scrutiny.

"The result of our review and investigation shows clearly that there is insufficient evidence to proceed on any of the charges," Cooper said.

Gee, ya think?

But the legal actions are far from over.

Nifong will face disciplinary action at the State Bar on ethics charges. A hearing is set for Friday on his efforts to win dismisssal of the most serious counts against him.

CNN states

Wednesday, defense sources told CNN the defense plans to pursue civil suits against Nifong no matter what decision was announced.

I just have to say thanks, Mike, cause any monetary damages will come from the State coffers, meaning less money for X, or realistically in a State with a democrat controlled legislature and Governors office, higher taxes. In particular, mine.

Michelle Malkin has much more.

Hot Air has video.

Check out what Ace writes in regards to innocence. I can feel my tax burden going up already.