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To: vox_freedom
I would like to know how someone can be held against their will for 23 days without being charged with a crime.

18 USC §3144. Release or detention of a material witness.

If it appears from an affidavit filed by a party that the testimony of a person is material in a criminal proceeding, and if it is shown that it may become impracticable to secure the presence of the person by subpoena, a judicial officer may order the arrest of the person and treat the person in accordance with the provisions of section 3142 of this title. No material witness may be detained because of inability to comply with any condition of release if the testimony of such witness can adequately be secured by deposition, and if further detention is not necessary to prevent a failure of justice. Release of a material witness may be delayed for a reasonable period of time until the deposition of the witness can be taken pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

36 posted on 03/14/2005 5:34:15 PM PST by Sandy
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To: Sandy
Thanks for this clarification and legal citation.

I do wonder at: Release of a material witness may be delayed for a reasonable period of time... and exactly what might be considered reasonable. I suppose the detention time could be extended to months, not just 23 days, if a judge happens to agree with federal investigators....

40 posted on 03/14/2005 5:57:24 PM PST by vox_freedom (Fear no evil)
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