Atlanta criminal defense lawyer Page Pate comments in USA Today on how the DA will handle the Ben Roethlisberger investigation

On Wednesday, Milledgeville police announced that they will be turning over their file concerning the Ben Roethlisberger investigation to the district attorney. Atlanta criminal defense attorney Page Pate of Pate & Brody recently commented in USA Today on what options are available to the district attorney’s office and when a decision can be expected.

The investigation stems from allegations made by a female college student who told Milledgeville police that Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her on March 5. The police investigation that followed has largely been kept from public eyes.

Pate told USA Today that there are three possible outcomes for Roethlisberger. First, District Attorney Fred Bright could decide to prosecute the case as a felony which would require a grand jury indictment. On the other hand, Bright could decide to prosecute the case as a misdemeanor which does not require a grand jury indictment. Or, in the alternative, Bright could simply choose not to pursue the case.

Pate went on to explain that Milledgeville police have probably given their recommendations to prosecutors, but ultimately, Bright will make the final call as to whether Roethlisberger will be charged and prosecuted. However, Pate believes that Bright will not make a decision anytime soon: “He’s the type of district attorney that I think will spend a lot of time looking at this before he makes a decision.” According to Pate, Bright is known as being a very conscientious district attorney who does not actively seek out publicity.