By Andrew Goudsward
In a recent development, a lawyer representing Donald Trump has argued that the former president should not be subjected to trial for allegedly attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia if he emerges victorious in the upcoming election. The lawyer, Steven Sadow, made these statements as the presiding judge grappled with the challenge of scheduling a trial date, considering Trump’s numerous ongoing legal battles and his potential presidential campaign in 2024.
Sadow emphasized that if Trump secures a win in the election, he would seek to defer the trial until after his term in office, citing potential interference with his presidential responsibilities. This strategy of delay highlights Trump’s ability to manipulate legal proceedings to his advantage, particularly in state courts where he cannot grant himself a pardon and lacks control over prosecutions.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has proposed an August 2024 start date for the Georgia trial, a timeline that extends beyond the election, prompting questions about potential interference with the electoral process. However, prosecutors clarified that their main focus is to move the case forward and not interfere with the presidential election.
Trump’s legal team has strongly objected to the proposed trial date, raising concerns about the impact on his ability to campaign for the presidency while being embroiled in a courtroom battle. The case involves Trump and 14 co-defendants who have pleaded not guilty to charges related to an alleged coordinated scheme to alter the election outcome in Georgia.
With four defendants already pleading guilty to lesser charges and cooperating with the prosecution, the presiding judge, Scott McAfee, expressed doubts about trying all 15 remaining defendants together and refrained from setting a trial date during the recent hearing.
(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan Oatis)
