The Buffalo News is reporting that the rape case against Patrick Kane will soon be heard by a grand jury. Evidence will be presented to the grand jury and they would then decide whether or not there’s enough evidence to file an official criminal charge against Kane.
These reports haven’t been confirmed at this time, but it’s believed that during this process that both Kane and the victim would be called on to testify.
Via the Buffalo News, Buffalo defense attorney Frank J. Clark commented on the possibility of the case going in front of a grand jury.
“There are cases that you put before a grand jury because your proof is overwhelming, and you fully expect an indictment. There are also cases where you have proof on both sides, where the proof is not really clear-cut. Putting it before a grand jury allows you to present both sides to an impartial body of people and let them decide whether there should be an indictment. The grand jury’s role is to determine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that a crime was committed, and reasonable grounds to believe that this defendant committed the crime.”
In other words, the fact the case may go in front of a grand jury doesn’t reveal whether or not Kane is likely to be charged. Instead, the grand jury, a group of 23 individuals, are brought in to determine if charges should be filed and if there needs to be a criminal trial.
Stay tuned. Should the grand jury start hearing evidence soon, it’s possible that a decision will be made on how to proceed prior to the Chicago Blackhawks beginning their preseason schedule. It’s unclear how the team would handle the situation at this time, but it’s doubtful they’d let Kane skate while the case is still open.
