Trump challenges $454M civil fraud ruling

Former⁤ President Donald ‌Trump Appeals $454 Million Fraud Judgment

Former President Donald Trump​ has filed notices of⁢ appeal, seeking to overturn a controversial civil fraud case that⁣ resulted in a staggering $454 million judgment,⁢ including interest. The appeal, submitted to New York state’s mid-level appeals court,‍ challenges the ruling made ⁣by Judge Arthur Engoron earlier⁤ this month.

Controversial Ruling and Penalties

Judge Engoron ordered Trump to pay over $350 million, banned him from conducting business in New York​ for three years, and fined his sons, Don Trump​ Jr. and Eric‍ Trump, over ⁣$4⁤ million each. The judge sided with ‌left-wing ⁢Attorney General Letitia James, who campaigned on a promise ⁣to take on⁤ Trump, alleging that he provided misleading financial statements ⁤to banks to secure favorable loan terms. However, the defense argued‍ that all loans were ⁤repaid and no victims of financial fraud existed.

Appeal Alleges Errors and Excess

Trump’s⁢ lawyers claim that Judge Engoron committed errors of ‍law and fact, abused his discretion,‍ and exceeded his jurisdiction. The appeal aims to ‌have ⁤the ​judgment overturned and restore public faith in New York’s legal system, according to Trump lawyer Alina Habba.

Efforts to Secure a Stay

Trump has until March‍ 25 to obtain a stay, which would temporarily halt the collection of the judgment. He could achieve a stay by‌ providing funds or assets ⁤to cover the amount owed.

Strong Words and‌ Confidence

Following the verdict, Habba expressed⁢ her‌ dissatisfaction ‌with the trial and the judgment‍ during an appearance on Fox News. She emphasized that Trump had done nothing wrong ​and predicted that he would clean house​ when he returns in November ⁤2024. Habba also criticized Attorney General Letitia James, ​claiming that she​ was not fully engaged during the proceedings.

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Habba expressed confidence in winning the appeal, stating that she had zero concerns about the outcome.

Related: ‘They Will Not Get Away With It’: Trump Attorney Unloads After Stunning New York Fraud Verdict

How did Trump’s attorneys argue that the ruling was a result of political bias and a violation of his rights to a fair trial?

D with the plaintiffs, ⁤the state of New York and the ⁤Trump Organization’s former attorney general, Letitia James.

The lawsuit alleged that Trump and​ his company had ​engaged in fraudulent activities related⁢ to several real‌ estate projects, including the Trump SoHo condominium in Manhattan.⁤ The plaintiffs argued that Trump and his company had made false statements about the number of ​units sold, the⁤ sales revenue generated, and the involvement of​ celebrity endorsers.

In his ruling, Judge Engoron found Trump and his company liable for multiple counts of fraud, including fraudulent misrepresentation, deceptive practices, and breach of fiduciary duty. The penalties imposed were seen⁣ as ⁤some of the harshest⁢ ever levied against a former ‌president, ⁤further fueling the controversy surrounding the case.

Appeal and Legal Arguments

In their ‍appeal, Trump’s attorneys⁣ argue that the ruling is a result of political bias and a violation of his⁣ rights to a fair trial. They claim that Judge Engoron, who was appointed by former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, has ​displayed⁤ a personal animosity towards Trump throughout the proceedings.

Furthermore, Trump’s legal team argues that the evidence presented during the trial⁣ was insufficient ​to support the allegations of fraud. They claim that the plaintiffs⁤ failed to ​establish actual harm or damages resulting from the alleged fraudulent statements. Additionally, they assert that Trump and his⁤ company should ⁤be shielded from any personal liability due to their ‍corporate structure.

The appeal also ​challenges the severity of⁤ the penalties imposed by Judge Engoron. Trump’s ‌attorneys argue that ⁢the monetary judgment is excessive and unsupported by the evidence presented. They assert that the ban on conducting business in New York for three years is ‌unconstitutional, as it infringes upon Trump’s rights to free speech and free ⁤trade.

Potential ⁣Impact

The outcome of this appeal could⁢ have significant implications, not only for Donald Trump but also for future cases involving former presidents. If the appeals court overturns the judgment, it would undoubtedly be a major victory for Trump, strengthening his ​defense against numerous other ⁣pending lawsuits.

On the ⁢other ‌hand, if the judgment is upheld, ‍it could set‌ a precedent for holding former presidents accountable for their actions,⁤ even after leaving⁤ office. It may also embolden other jurisdictions to pursue similar civil fraud cases against Trump⁣ or other high-profile individuals.

The appeals process is expected to take several months, during which the legal arguments from both sides will be thoroughly evaluated. It remains to be seen whether the appeals court will grant Trump the relief he seeks, ‍or if the judgment ‌will stand, ⁤adding to the legal challenges currently facing the former president.

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