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If Michael Lewis Ratcliff accepts a plea agreement next week, as those close to the case suggest is likely, what happens to the evidence the public would learn had the case gone to trial?
That's a tricky question.
I talked to a renowned media attorney tonight, and while I'm still a bit confused, here's my layman understanding:
If Mr. Ratcliff accepts a plea agreement, and is sentenced to prison, much of the evidence is public. If he is given deferred adjudication, or probation, then much of that evidence is sealed.
Mind you, that is a layman's understanding. But it's safe to say that we won't learn all the evidence -- or all of the prosecutorial points, as it may be -- if the case doesn't go to trial.
Either way, though, the ethical question still is there: Does a community who voted for, and paid the salary of, a public official deserve answers?
What, if anything, did Mr. Ratcliff do? Who else was involved?
Greg Cagle, a League City attorney who is representing...
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