Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be arraigned at the Elijah Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington, D.C. on Thursday afternoon, facing four felony charges linked to his alleged attempts to retain power after losing the 2020 election. This case stands out as a unique event in U.S. history. Here’s what you should know ahead of his court hearing.
What exactly is Trump being charged with? The recently unsealed 45-page indictment accuses Trump of the following:
– Conspiracy to defraud the United States
– Conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding
– Obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding
– Conspiracy against rights
The charge of “Conspiracy against rights” relates to an effort to harm individuals’ constitutional or federal rights, specifically their right to a fair vote count.
Moving on to the allegations, the indictment, led by special counsel Jack Smith, alleges that Trump, alongside six unidentified co-conspirators, orchestrated a scheme to overturn the election results despite lacking credible evidence of widespread fraud. Additionally, Trump is accused of exploiting the chaos of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot in an attempt to halt the certification of electoral votes.
Now, let’s define arraignment. An arraignment serves as the initial hearing in a criminal case where the defendant enters a plea. This is when the defendant learns more about their rights and the charges they face. The judge also determines whether to detain the defendant or release them on bond prior to trial.
It’s worth mentioning that this is Trump’s third indictment this year. The first occurred on April 4, when he pleaded not guilty to 34 New York State felony charges related to falsification of business records. Then, on June 13, Trump also pleaded not guilty in Miami to 37 federal felony charges for allegedly retaining national security information after leaving the White House. Three additional charges were added to that case on July 27.
As for the judge presiding over Trump’s arraignment, he is summoned to appear before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya at the federal courthouse in Washington, D.C. The randomly assigned U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan will handle the case. Judge Chutkan, appointed by President Obama in 2014, has presided over several Jan. 6-related trials.
It is anticipated that Trump will enter a not guilty plea, as he has consistently maintained his innocence and accused the Justice Department of political persecution. Trump’s attorney, John Lauro, stated in an interview that they possess evidence supporting Trump’s innocence. Lauro cited the guidance of constitutional scholar John Eastman, who asserted that the indictment distorts the record and unfairly targets Trump’s advisors.
Trump will personally appear at the federal courthouse for the arraignment, accompanied by his attorneys John Lauro and Todd Blanche. While the previous arraignments were also in-person, Trump had the option to participate via video feed this time.
Interestingly, Trump was permitted to appear virtually for a May 23 hearing in his New York case, although such arrangements are highly uncommon. In D.C. federal court, virtual appearances are more prevalent, notably for defendants connected to the Jan. 6 riot.
In conclusion, Former President Donald Trump’s arraignment on four felony charges marks a historic event in U.S. history. As the proceedings unfold, it will be intriguing to see how Trump responds and whether he maintains his not guilty plea.
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