Bridgegate criminal case against Chris Christie CAN go ahead: New Jersey Governor will appear in cou [View all]
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4231282/Judge-set-rule-Gov-Christie-bridge-case-complaint.html
Judge Roy McGeady said there is probable cause to charge Chris Christie
He said the governor knew the closings at the George Washington Bridge in 2013 were more than just a routine traffic study
McGeady also accused Christie of failing to act to stop the lane closures
A spokesman for Christie said the judge was 'violating the law ' and said the evidence he is relying on is 'utter nonsense'
Christie will answer the criminal summons on March 10, but it's not known whether he will attend in person
New Jersey judge ruled for the second time that a criminal complaint against Gov. Chris Christie can go forward.
Municipal Court Judge Roy McGeady said the Republican governor knew lane closings at the George Washington Bridge in 2013 that led to the federal convictions of two former aides were more than just a routine traffic study.
Applause erupted in the courtroom when he announced there was probable cause to charge Christie with official misconduct for failing to act to stop the lane closures and subsequent gridlock.
There is 'probable cause to believe the governor knew this was more than just an ordinary and productive traffic study and the consequences were upsetting to the mayor of Fort Lee,' McGeady said.
The judge set a March 10 date for Christie to answer the criminal summons, though it's unclear if he will have to appear in person.
Christie's office called McGeady's ruling 'a complete non-event.' Neither Christie nor his attorney attended the second probable cause hearing two weeks ago or Thursday's hearing.
The misconduct complaint was filed last fall by William Brennan, a retired firefighter who has mounted a campaign for governor. Last fall, McGeady issued a finding of probable cause, but a higher court sent the case back to him after ruling Christie should have been represented at the initial hearing and Brennan should have been subject to cross-examination.
For Christie to go on trial, the case would have to be presented to a grand jury, which would have to hand up an indictment.

development comes as Christie, whose approval ratings have sunk below 20 percent in recent months, has gained traction with the passage of anti-opioid legislation, a cause he has championed. This week, he met with President Donald Trump to discuss the opioid crisis.
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4231282/Judge-set-rule-Gov-Christie-bridge-case-complaint.html#ixzz4Yt9iIEgB
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