Richard Emery, a lawyer for Mr. McNamee, said his client was hurt by a judicial ruling that limited the scope of testimony about the legal incident.

WSJ: In Roger Clemens Trial, Rusty Hardin Finds Right Pitch

In a dissent from what he called a "milquetoast report, " attorney Richard Emery wrote that he sees no difference between judges getting police leniency for having the plate or for identifying themselves to an officer.

WSJ: NY commission says judicial license plates are OK

Pollak's order "gives us the essential fruits of the government investigation" in a civil case that doesn't require the higher standard of proof needed in the criminal one, Richard Emery, an attorney for McNamee said Sunday.

WSJ: Roger Clemens still dogged by NY steroids case