Jurors in the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial may have to deliver more than just a verdict if they deem the ex-governor guilty of racketeering. They may be asked to decide on which of his assets should be seized under the terms of forfeiture.
Judge James Zagel said Wednesday that jurors may have to turn around and head back to the jury room to decide the amount to be seized.
Attorneys and prosecutors agreed on instructions that would be read to jurors if they had to do that. But Blagojevich could also ask the judge to come up with the figure.
Zagel will hold a hearing immediately after the verdict is read so that attorneys can make a final decision on how the jury can handle it. That hearing is expected to take about an hour.
Under this scenario, jurors will not be available for polling about their decision until after they decide the forfeiture.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to trying to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama's former Senate seat.
