Several individuals involved in the election interference case in Georgia linked to Donald J. Trump turned themselves in on Tuesday, while others are requesting a change in venue from state to federal court. Jeffrey Clark, David Shafer, and Mark Meadows have all filed motions to move the case to federal court. These motions set the stage for the first major legal battle in the case, which was initially filed in Superior Court in Atlanta. Most of the defendants, including Trump himself, are expected to surrender this week as instructed by the district attorney leading the investigation. However, Clark and Meadows have filed emergency stay requests to avoid being taken into custody in an Atlanta jail. Another Trump ally, John Eastman, turned himself in and was booked at the jail. When it comes to removal to federal court, a federal statute allows for a change of venue if the case involves federal officials and actions taken while in office. If successful, the defendants would likely argue that they should not be charged for state crimes based on the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Three of the 19 defendants charged were federal officials during the election: Trump, Clark, and Meadows. Meadows has already requested the dismissal of charges, while Clark argues that the allegations are related to his work at the Justice Department and with the former President. The Fulton County jail, where the defendants would be processed, is currently under investigation for unsafe conditions. Both Clark and Meadows have requested to avoid being detained there. The district court ordered the prosecution to respond to the emergency stay request by Wednesday afternoon. The indictment against the defendants accuses them of attempting to reverse the results of the 2020 election through various means. Shafer, although not a federal official, was one of 16 Georgia Republicans who tried to cast false Electoral College votes in favor of Trump. Moving the case to federal court would expand the jury pool and potentially affect the outcome of the trial. Legal experts state that even in federal court, Trump would not be able to pardon himself if re-elected, as the crimes charged are against the state rather than the United States. Meadows argues that his actions fell within his duties as chief of staff, and a hearing on his request is scheduled for Monday. Shafer and Clark’s filings are strong responses to the prosecution, with Shafer seeking to bar the case and claiming that Georgia lacks the authority to prosecute him. Shafer’s bond was set at $75,000, while Eastman, Ellis, and Roman have bonds ranging from $50,000 to $100,000.
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