BREAKING: BOMBSHELL update in Trump’s Georgia trial
We have received a major update in the Fulton County, Georgia case against Donald Trump. District Attorney Fani Willis has now formally requested Judge McAfee to set Trump’s trial date for August 5th, 2024. In her filing, Willis explained that this proposed trial date takes into account potential delays from Trump’s other criminal trials, as well as concerns about constitutional speedy trial rights for the defendants. Willis anticipates that the Trump team will likely try to use delay tactics, and she is building in some flexibility to address that.
This trial date is significant for several reasons. Firstly, if accepted by Judge McAfee, it means that Trump’s trial would take place before the 2024 election in November. This raises the possibility that Trump could be convicted in Fulton County, Georgia, and potentially end up in prison at the same time he’s running a presidential campaign. The filing suggests that Fani Willis is mindful of the political implications and is taking steps to ensure a timely trial.
It’s important to note that the Fulton County trial poses a more significant threat to Trump than some of his other legal challenges. Even if Trump’s strategy is to win the presidency in 2024 and potentially use the Department of Justice (DOJ) under his control for his defense, this approach wouldn’t apply in Fulton County. The case in Georgia is a state prosecution, and the federal government cannot interfere in state prosecutions. Additionally, Trump wouldn’t have the ability to pardon himself if convicted in Fulton County.
In the filing, Fani Willis also requests Judge McAfee to set a final plea date of June 21st, 2024. This means that negotiated guilty pleas would be entertained until that date. After the final plea date, the defendants would only have the option of non-negotiated pleas, and the state intends to recommend maximum sentences at any remaining sentencing hearings.
Legal experts, including co-host Glenn Kirschner, discuss the possibility that remaining codefendants might enter into plea deals against Donald Trump. Kirschner expresses optimism about this scenario, suggesting that there’s a chance everyone other than Trump might accept responsibility for their crimes, plead guilty, and agree to testify against him.
While a potential Trump conviction could have electoral implications, the core of the prosecution is not political. It is emphasized that Trump was indicted by juries of his peers in four separate jurisdictions on 91 criminal charges based on the evidence presented by prosecutors. Despite Trump’s attempts to paint these prosecutions as political persecutions, the fact remains that they stem from his own actions.
The irony is highlighted when Trump, who claims political prosecutions are unfair, himself promises to use such tactics if reelected. This contradiction undermines his argument against the legitimacy of the prosecutions.
In conclusion, while these dates are requests and subject to Judge McAfee’s decision, the stage is set for the potential trial date before the 2024 election, with implications that could resonate across the political spectrum. Observers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates as the legal proceedings unfold in Fulton County, Georgia.