Court TV Host: We're just about to start our chat with Court TV producer Bryan Lavietes, who is joining us live from Redwood City, where he is covering the penalty phase in the murder trial of Scott Peterson. Welcome, Bryan, thanks for joining us. What's the latest?

Bryan Lavietes: Court is done early for the day, but Judge Delucchi told the jury that they should expect testimony to finish on Monday or Tuesday of next week. That's longer than a lot of experts predicted.

Question from Needle_for_Scott: Are there a lot of people gathered outside the courthouse? If so what is the main opinion of most of them concerning this penalty phase?

Bryan Lavietes: Well, needle. I think I can sense your opinion from your logon. There are a normal amount of people coming around the courthouse. But I suspect, like the verdict, when a decision is announced there will be a mad rush of people to the courthouse.

Question from Denise: Hi Bryan! Love the blog. Do you know who else is expected to testify on behalf of Scott besides his mother?

Bryan Lavietes: Thanks for the blog love. I just turned to blogmate Harriet Ryan to answer that: she says we can expect a college roommate, a former boss, an ex-girlfriend, etc. but they are going to end with Jackie

Question from bmxmom: Is the jury sequestered for the penalty phase?

Bryan Lavietes: Nope, but I expect they will be sequestered when they begin deliberations. That's exactly how they did it during the guilt phase of trial

Question from bmxmom: Bryan, was anything done about the boat being displayed....besides moving it?

Bryan Lavietes: Not that we know of at this point. I heard a rumor that Geragos was going to be charged some sort of storage fee, but I think that it was someone being snarky. Whether there will be any legal ramifications for Geragos is yet to be determined. I don't expect any, but I would not be surprised to see the incident rehashed when SP's appeal is filed -- likely by an appellate attorney not MG himself.

Question from kiara: Bryan, can you please verify....isn't it true that dismissed juror jd/md admitted to Delucchi that no jury vote had yet been taken?

Bryan Lavietes: Yes. that was written in Geragos' appeal on behalf of Peterson. He wouldn't like about it or he'd be disbarred. I mean, he wouldn't lie about it.

Question from CaliGirl: Bryan, couldn't they find more than two of Scott's friends willing to talk on his behalf?

Bryan Lavietes: Remember, CaliGirl, the case is not over yet. That said, I suspect he did alienate a lot of his Modesto friends after this whole ordeal.

Question from kiara: Bryan, who is that woman who walks in front of Jackie and Lee on their way to the courthouse?

Bryan Lavietes: Who are we talking about exactly? Janey, the daughter-in-law. Susan Caudillo the sister? I need a little more Info.

Question from CaliGirl: I heard that Laci's parents left the courtroom today for a while while Scott's sister-in-law was on the stand. Why?

Bryan Lavietes: I don't know exactly why because the Rochas are gagged and don't really talk to media for the time being. Harriet Ryan was there and said Sharon was coughing a little bit. Perhaps she just wanted to get some air. There will be several more opportunities to hear good things about Scott from his supporters.

Court TV Host: Kiara has some more info on the person she was asking about...the woman who walks into the courtroom with the Petersons...

Question from kiara: She is African-American.

Question from kiara: Short hair.

Bryan Lavietes: Oh yes. Got it. I do not know her name, but she works for the Sheriff's Department. She walks the Petersons to and from the car just to make sure it goes smoothly. She's been assigned that duty for at least a month or so, after the time that Grantski and Lee Peterson had words at the courthouse escalator. The Rochas are generally accompanied by a victim's advocate (the spikey haired man in suit).

Question from LuvU2: Bryan, why is Laci's biological father absent?

Bryan Lavietes: I don't know. He hasn't shown up since the other Monday when the death penalty phase was delayed. He was not asked to testify at the penalty phase. Am not sure why. Maybe he thought it was a snub. But I am speculating

Question from Ellen: Why was the defense able to put pictures in and the prosecution did 'not'?

Bryan Lavietes: I think because this phase is about Scott Peterson and whether he is the sort of person who deserves death. It may not seem fair to everyone, but this phase is less about Laci and more about Scott So the judge is going to give the defense more latitude. At sentencing, I suspect Laci's relatives will be back to talk about Laci again.

Question from Needle_for_Scott: Is it usual for this phase to take this much time, almost a week?

Bryan Lavietes: I think that it is a little unusual for there to be a week's delay and then a week-long penalty phase, but these defense lawyers are really trying their hardest and I think they want to put as much time between Sharon Rocha's testimony and the jury's decision as possible.

Court TV Host: Any closing thoughts?

Bryan Lavietes: I think that we are going to see a lot more emotion before this trial is over. I only wish it could be televised. So you all know, Judge Delucchi has allowed a video camera in for the jury instruction, but that's it

Bryan Lavietes: Ok, I have to sign off now because since court ended early I have people breathing down my neck to go home. If I see anything funny, I will put it in the blog. Wait. here is one funny thing that I cannot blog: today, Beth was doing a liveshot in front of courthouse, and a law enforcement official came by and made bunny ears behind her. [Court TV fans, do not try this as it is very annoying.] She didn't see him, but I did, and he mouthed to me: "Is she on?" And I said "yes" (even though NY was talking, not her, at the time), and he did the most hilarious embarrassed double-take, like he made like an O with his mouth, shrugged his shoulders, and pulled down his neck like a turtle trying to hide. Funny stuff.

Court TV Host: You heard it here first, folks!

Bryan Lavietes: Or maybe you had to be there.

Court TV Host: Thanks!

Bryan Lavietes: Ok, that is all folks. don't forget to tip your waitress.