NY Judge sets March trial date for Trump hush-money case
A New York Judge Allows Hush-Money Case Against Donald Trump to Proceed to Trial
In an announcement on Thursday, a New York judge declared that the hush-money case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg against former President Donald Trump will indeed go to trial in March as planned.
Justice Juan Merchan, presiding over a Manhattan court hearing, firmly denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the case and set the date for jury selection on March 25. This timing, right in the middle of the primary election process, is expected to last approximately six weeks.
Trump’s lawyer expressed disappointment, calling the decision a “grave injustice” and criticizing the “compressed and expedited schedules” of multiple legal battles during this election season. The hearing continued with discussions on how the trial will be conducted.
Bragg has accused Trump of attempting to conceal hush-money payments, including those made to former adult film star Stormy Daniels, as part of a scheme to influence the 2016 presidential election. Trump, who maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, attended the hearing and spoke to reporters outside the courtroom.
The former president drew attention to the issue of violent crime in New York City, asserting that he is being targeted unjustly. Trump claimed that the trial is being rushed because ”they want to get it desperately before the election” while confidently stating that he is “doing well.”
Trump makes statement outside courtroom: “You have violent migrant crime and they are after me for doing nothing wrong.” pic.twitter.com/IioH9CuzYZ
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 15, 2024
Trump is currently competing against Nikki Haley, his remaining major rival, for the GOP presidential nomination. They have been actively campaigning in South Carolina ahead of the state’s GOP primary on February 24.
Notably, around the New York trial date, several states are expected to hold GOP primaries, including Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, and Louisiana. Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin are also set to have their Republican primaries on April 2.
As Trump seeks a second term in the White House, he is facing three other criminal cases and civil litigation. He has consistently claimed that prosecutors are engaged in a politically motivated “witch hunt” against him.
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Recently, a judge postponed the Washington, D.C. trial scheduled for March 4 in special counsel Jack Smith’s 2020 election interference case, as Trump’s claims of immunity are being considered in higher courts. The May trial for Smith’s documents case in Florida is also expected to be delayed.
Meanwhile, in a separate matter, a judge held a hearing in Georgia to determine whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from leading another 2020 election case against Trump due to allegations of an improper relationship with a top prosecutor she hired.
Willis has proposed starting the trial against Trump and other defendants in August.
What are the potential legal consequences Donald Trump could face if convicted in the trial?
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Legal experts anticipate that this trial will be closely watched, not only due to Trump’s high-profile status but also because it raises important questions about potential campaign finance violations. If convicted, Trump could face significant legal consequences. However, the former president remains confident in his defense and has repeatedly emphasized his belief that the charges against him are politically motivated.
In addition to the hush-money case, Trump also faces several other ongoing legal battles. Manhattan DA Bragg recently announced a separate investigation into the Trump Organization’s financial practices, raising concerns that the former president’s legal troubles may continue to linger well beyond the upcoming trial.
While the trial is set to take place in March, it is important to note that it could potentially face delays or even settlements before it reaches the courtroom. Both parties involved will likely engage in rigorous legal maneuvers, further fueling the speculation and media attention surrounding the case.
As the trial date approaches, many will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes legal battle unfolds. Regardless of the outcome, the proceedings will undoubtedly impact the reputation and future endeavors of both Donald Trump and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
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