Shock and relief may have been the emotions immediately experienced by prosecutors and members of the defense bar June 29 after former District Attorney Seth Williams abruptly pleaded guilty midway through his corruption trial and resigned, but now attorneys in Philadelphia's criminal justice system are left wondering what comes next.

Williams, who had been charged with 29 counts related to corruption, pleaded guilty in federal court June 29 to a single count of bribery. He was taken out of the courtroom in handcuffs, and is being held in a federal detention facility in Philadelphia, according to the Bureau of Prisons.

The events capped a tumultuous year for the office as controversies over Williams' conduct began to mount. But now the office faces several open questions, including who will officially take over the office from Williams, when that decision will be made and what effects it may have on daily operations.