Representative William Jefferson Watch: Federal Appeals Court Paves the Way for Bribery Trial

Democrat Congressman William Jefferson and his wife, Dr. Andrea Green-Jefferson, right, acknowledge the crowd at his election night party after Jefferson beat runoff opponent Helena Moreno for the 2nd Congressional District seat he has held for nine terms in New Orleans, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008

Looks like Congressman Jefferson is finally going to receive his day in court on the 16 count federal indictment.

A federal appeals court has upheld bribery charges against U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, clearing the way for a trial.

The Louisiana Democrat sought to dismiss the indictment, claiming that his constitutional rights were violated when the grand jury received evidence that violated legislative immunity.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday rejected Jefferson’s claims, ruling that prosecutors can pursue the case without making reference to constitutionally protected material.

A lower court judge previously refused to dismiss the indictment, saying Jefferson was trying to apply immunity so broadly that it would make it virtually impossible to ever charge a congressman with a crime.

Remember the flap?