NY: Convicted Felon Donald Trump!

[mjba257]

I'm not sure there's anything he can do since the judge has now stated he sees these last minute efforts as disingenuous. I think the judge has to approve the attorneys leaving the case so maybe even that wouldn't work. I think he will keep trying things though because it diverts the prosecution's attention away from the case when it has to respond to all these filings.

This case is a joke and should be thrown out and I say this as somebody who loathes Trump and wishes he'd just kick the bucket already. The fact that this judge hasn't tossed this case proves that he's a hack because any legitimate honest judge would've dismissed it.

Trump's best strategy is to delay. He's not getting a fair trial in Manhattan. He could try and fire his lawyers and if that doesn't work, feign illness. I do wonder what would happen if he just hunkered down in Mar-a-Lago and refused to show up? New York courts have zero jurisdiction over Florida and DeSantis could block any extradition requests.

Perhaps GOP governors could come together and economically boycott New York state until the case is dropped (i.e bar official travel, prohibit trade, ban flights, etc?)

[mjba257]

I'm not sure there's anything he can do since the judge has now stated he sees these last minute efforts as disingenuous. I think the judge has to approve the attorneys leaving the case so maybe even that wouldn't work. I think he will keep trying things though because it diverts the prosecution's attention away from the case when it has to respond to all these filings.

This case is a joke and should be thrown out and I say this as somebody who loathes Trump and wishes he'd just kick the bucket already. The fact that this judge hasn't tossed this case proves that he's a hack because any legitimate honest judge would've dismissed it.

Trump's best strategy is to delay. He's not getting a fair trial in Manhattan. He could try and fire his lawyers and if that doesn't work, feign illness. I do wonder what would happen if he just hunkered down in Mar-a-Lago and refused to show up? New York courts have zero jurisdiction over Florida and DeSantis could block any extradition requests.

Perhaps GOP governors could come together and economically boycott New York state until the case is dropped (i.e bar official travel, prohibit trade, ban flights, etc?)

Nice try but two federal judges have signalled that the case is serious.
Try harder next time "Trump hater".

It is a joke case. Ask yourself, why does Mr. Bragg refuse to prosecute violent criminals plaguing his jurisdiction, yet finds enough time to stretch the law to go after his political opponents? Hush money payments? Seriously? How about deal with those teens who keep sucker punching old ladies?

[mjba257]

I'm not sure there's anything he can do since the judge has now stated he sees these last minute efforts as disingenuous. I think the judge has to approve the attorneys leaving the case so maybe even that wouldn't work. I think he will keep trying things though because it diverts the prosecution's attention away from the case when it has to respond to all these filings.

This case is a joke and should be thrown out and I say this as somebody who loathes Trump and wishes he'd just kick the bucket already. The fact that this judge hasn't tossed this case proves that he's a hack because any legitimate honest judge would've dismissed it.

Trump's best strategy is to delay. He's not getting a fair trial in Manhattan. He could try and fire his lawyers and if that doesn't work, feign illness. I do wonder what would happen if he just hunkered down in Mar-a-Lago and refused to show up? New York courts have zero jurisdiction over Florida and DeSantis could block any extradition requests.

Perhaps GOP governors could come together and economically boycott New York state until the case is dropped (i.e bar official travel, prohibit trade, ban flights, etc?)

Nice try but two federal judges have signalled that the case is serious.
Try harder next time "Trump hater".

Yeah, disagreeing with the strength of the case is one thing (and many people do).  If it's truly that weak, he'll either be acquitted or have a guilty verdict overturned on appeal.  But suggesting that red states band together to keep Trump a fugitive from justice and retaliate for his prosecution?  mjba257 is clearly no Trump hater.

Some things are more important than my personal dislike for one man. This is about fighting back against weaponized lawfare. Here you have an far-left DA from a deep-blue jurisdiction going after his political opponent using a "novel legal theory", all over a frivolous matter that happened eight years ago and only when said opponent declared his intention to run again, did this DA decide to revive the case (which btw, the feds had already declined to prosecute).

This is setting a dangerous precedent that goes far beyond Trump. That's why it's imperative red state governors take a strong stance against this and make it clear that if New York state wants to go down this path, they will be hurt economically.

[mjba257]

I'm not sure there's anything he can do since the judge has now stated he sees these last minute efforts as disingenuous. I think the judge has to approve the attorneys leaving the case so maybe even that wouldn't work. I think he will keep trying things though because it diverts the prosecution's attention away from the case when it has to respond to all these filings.

This case is a joke and should be thrown out and I say this as somebody who loathes Trump and wishes he'd just kick the bucket already. The fact that this judge hasn't tossed this case proves that he's a hack because any legitimate honest judge would've dismissed it.

Trump's best strategy is to delay. He's not getting a fair trial in Manhattan. He could try and fire his lawyers and if that doesn't work, feign illness. I do wonder what would happen if he just hunkered down in Mar-a-Lago and refused to show up? New York courts have zero jurisdiction over Florida and DeSantis could block any extradition requests.

Perhaps GOP governors could come together and economically boycott New York state until the case is dropped (i.e bar official travel, prohibit trade, ban flights, etc?)

Nice try but two federal judges have signalled that the case is serious.
Try harder next time "Trump hater".

It is a joke case. Ask yourself, why does Mr. Bragg refuse to prosecute violent criminals plaguing his jurisdiction, yet finds enough time to stretch the law to go after his political opponents? Hush money payments? Seriously? How about deal with those teens who keep sucker punching old ladies?

I don't think "teens who keep sucker punching old ladies" usually get tried in federal court.

Exactly. That's Mr. Bragg's job. It's his jurisdiction. But he doesn't do that. He lets them walk and surprise surprise, they keep doing it.

[mjba257]

I'm not sure there's anything he can do since the judge has now stated he sees these last minute efforts as disingenuous. I think the judge has to approve the attorneys leaving the case so maybe even that wouldn't work. I think he will keep trying things though because it diverts the prosecution's attention away from the case when it has to respond to all these filings.

This case is a joke and should be thrown out and I say this as somebody who loathes Trump and wishes he'd just kick the bucket already. The fact that this judge hasn't tossed this case proves that he's a hack because any legitimate honest judge would've dismissed it.

Trump's best strategy is to delay. He's not getting a fair trial in Manhattan. He could try and fire his lawyers and if that doesn't work, feign illness. I do wonder what would happen if he just hunkered down in Mar-a-Lago and refused to show up? New York courts have zero jurisdiction over Florida and DeSantis could block any extradition requests.

Perhaps GOP governors could come together and economically boycott New York state until the case is dropped (i.e bar official travel, prohibit trade, ban flights, etc?)

DeSantis can't legally block an extradition request if it comes from Hochul. He would be violating Florida law if it was properly submitted and he refused to sign off.

He can change the law

[mjba257]

He can change the law

Ok you're not being serious.

I'm sorta half-kidding, half-serious.

[mjba257]

Don't be surprised if he pleads guilty to the misdemeanor charges. He'd likely have pay a fine and/or do some sort of community service (lord only knows what that would entail), but it would mean he wouldn't have to take valuable time off the campaign trail and avoid embarrassing information coming out during a trial.

[mjba257]

If Bragg wants to offer a plea it's possible. I think he wants the felonies though since he believes the case is about election interference.

Bragg doesn't believe in anything but himself. He's as narcissistic as Trump. It's all about politics and he wants to make a name for himself. That's why he dug up a frivolous matter from almost a decade ago, stretched the law to the nth degree, and wasting millions of taxpayer dollars in the process.

It be great if Bragg spent this much time and effort trying to get all the muggers, stabbers, dopeheads sleeping on the sidewalks, and vagrants wanking it on the subways off the street.

[mjba257]

Well I disagree with your characterization of him and his motives. But if you're right, that probably makes it even less likely he would accept a plea deal.

But if this does go forward and Trump gets acquitted, that would be a massive blow to Bragg's political ambitions and very likely may be a career ender. Perhaps even more damaging would be a conviction getting overturned by an appellate court or even SCOTUS, who I can imagine expediting an appeals process.

[mjba257]

High risk high reward.

Let's see if a deal actually develops. If there is one it would most likely be before the jury selection process starts (though not impossible there could be a deal during the trial).

You are correct there. I personally am really hoping for some sort of plea agreement because Trump may have to do community service, which would be really, really funny. Given his age, it probably wouldn't entail anything physically demanding, but he could volunteer at a children's hospital, cook meals for the homeless, give a speech to school kids about why you shouldn't have an affair with a porn star, etc)

[mjba257]

Let's be clear here: I don't like to defend Trump but this Trial is a complete waste of time and joke. Alvin Bragg should have never brought this forward.

There are other Trials who will be far more consequential, if they happen, compared to this one.

Expect Trumps Poll Numbers to go up because this Trial is a Scam!

This line of thinking makes no sense. So we should just not hold him accountable in one space because there will theoretically be options to hold him accountable somewhere else?

Trump committed a crime here. He needs to be held accountable, whether you think the case is valid or not.

That's the problem with your line of thinking - i don't think he broke any laws in this case, but even if he did, the problem is the law itself. It's a stupid law. Nobody was harmed, nor was anyone's property taken and/or destroyed. The only person who lost something was Trump, who spent his money reimbursing Cohen. You may find it sleazy and immoral, but certainly not something we should waste taxpayer money trying to prosecute. Especially when this DA in question has no problem refusing to prosecute ACTUAL crimes, like muggings, stabbings, assaults, etc.

[mjba257]

There are so many things wrong with this case and I have some quite choice words for Mr. Bragg, but the most glaring problems are 1) Statue of Limitations and 2) NY doesn't have jurisdiction over a federal matter, and the Feds declined to prosecute this case. I think its incumbent upon SCOTUS to step in and shut the case down now. Usually, they don't get involved until the appeals process, but given the unprecedented nature of this case plus the horrific ramifications it could have on our body politic, its best to be shut down now.

In the meantime, I think it's incumbent upon GOP governors to use their powers to punish the state of New York. Shut down flights originating from NYC from landing in their states. The NY-FL air market is huge, so that would have an impact. Plus, you have huge airline hubs in TX and GA that would cause a harrowing effect on NY. Cancel all state-funded travel to NY. Not only does this apply to government employees, but also publicly funded universities. Any NCAA sporting events in NY would be effected. And make clear these sanctions will not be lifted until the case is dismissed.

[mjba257]

In the meantime, I think it's incumbent upon GOP governors to use their powers to punish the state of New York. Shut down flights originating from NYC from landing in their states. The NY-FL air market is huge, so that would have an impact. Plus, you have huge airline hubs in TX and GA that would cause a harrowing effect on NY. Cancel all state-funded travel to NY. Not only does this apply to government employees, but also publicly funded universities. Any NCAA sporting events in NY would be effected. And make clear these sanctions will not be lifted until the case is dismissed.

Why should Trump be above the law?

It's about the weaponization of law enforcement, one of the biggest threats facing our country today. Here you have a far left DA who refuses to prosecute violent thugs in his jurisdiction, yet finds the time to dig up a frivolous matter from almost a decade ago against his political foe. And then applying a novel legal theory to create a felony, even though he doesn't even have jurisdiction over the matter. It is absolutely banana republic sh**t and New York should be ashamed of itself.

We don't allow flights to and from North Korea, Syria, Iran, etc. because they are despotic hellholes that lack a true justice system. New York state is now in the same category.

[mjba257]

There are so many things wrong with this case and I have some quite choice words for Mr. Bragg, but the most glaring problems are 1) Statue of Limitations and 2) NY doesn't have jurisdiction over a federal matter, and the Feds declined to prosecute this case. I think its incumbent upon SCOTUS to step in and shut the case down now. Usually, they don't get involved until the appeals process, but given the unprecedented nature of this case plus the horrific ramifications it could have on our body politic, its best to be shut down now.

In the meantime, I think it's incumbent upon GOP governors to use their powers to punish the state of New York. Shut down flights originating from NYC from landing in their states. The NY-FL air market is huge, so that would have an impact. Plus, you have huge airline hubs in TX and GA that would cause a harrowing effect on NY. Cancel all state-funded travel to NY. Not only does this apply to government employees, but also publicly funded universities. Any NCAA sporting events in NY would be effected. And make clear these sanctions will not be lifted until the case is dismissed.

There are indeed some thorny legal questions that still need to be resolved in this case, but these aren’t them.
1) The 5 year Statute of Limitations is tolled during periods when the Defendant was continuously outside of the state.
2) Trump is being prosecuted under New York State law for the state crime of falsifying business records.

That is a very flawed interpretation of the Statute of Limitations and one that almost certainly won't hold up to scrutiny from SCOTUS.

[mjba257]

There are so many things wrong with this case and I have some quite choice words for Mr. Bragg, but the most glaring problems are 1) Statue of Limitations and 2) NY doesn't have jurisdiction over a federal matter, and the Feds declined to prosecute this case. I think its incumbent upon SCOTUS to step in and shut the case down now. Usually, they don't get involved until the appeals process, but given the unprecedented nature of this case plus the horrific ramifications it could have on our body politic, its best to be shut down now.

In the meantime, I think it's incumbent upon GOP governors to use their powers to punish the state of New York. Shut down flights originating from NYC from landing in their states. The NY-FL air market is huge, so that would have an impact. Plus, you have huge airline hubs in TX and GA that would cause a harrowing effect on NY. Cancel all state-funded travel to NY. Not only does this apply to government employees, but also publicly funded universities. Any NCAA sporting events in NY would be effected. And make clear these sanctions will not be lifted until the case is dismissed.

There are indeed some thorny legal questions that still need to be resolved in this case, but these aren’t them.
1) The 5 year Statute of Limitations is tolled during periods when the Defendant was continuously outside of the state.
2) Trump is being prosecuted under New York State law for the state crime of falsifying business records.

That is a very flawed interpretation of the Statute of Limitations and one that almost certainly won't hold up to scrutiny from SCOTUS.

That’s not even an interpretation. It’s just black letter law.

§ 30.10 Timeliness of prosecutions; periods of limitation.
…
4. In calculating the time limitation applicable to commencement of a
criminal action, the following periods shall not be included:

(a) Any period following the commission of the offense during which
(i) the defendant was continuously outside this state or (ii) the
whereabouts of the defendant were continuously unknown and continuously
unascertainable by the exercise of reasonable diligence. However, in no
event shall the period of limitation be extended by more than five years
beyond the period otherwise applicable under subdivision two.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CPL/30.10
Most jurisdictions have such a provision for tolling the statute of limitations. What is the Constitutional argument against it that you think SCOTUS would bite at?

Time is linear. If a crime happened on April 14n 2023 and the Statute of Limitations is one year, it expired yesterday. Doesn't matter if said offender wasn't in state everyday for the past year. The universe does not stop because someone left a jurisdiction. All of those states who have such interpretation are wrong and SCOTUS should strike it down. And given the makeup of the current SCOTUS, it's almost certain they will. Even some of liberals may join along.

[mjba257]

According to news reports, over half of the jury pool has already been dismissed on the impartiality question, when 40% was the expected number . This case might die on appeal

Forgive me for not knowing, but what happens if they aren't able to seat 12 qualified jurors? With the amount that's already been dismissed, that's not out of the question? Do they have to summon a new pool? I know there have been lots of talks of a venue change, would that warrant one?

[mjba257]

In the Young Thug trial here in Atlanta, jury selection took almost 10 months.

This is why I think the odds this comes down a plea agreement is very high. Like 65%. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Trump have to be there everyday during jury selection? Based on what I've seen, he looks miserable, no way he can take 2 months of this, let alone 10. I think he'll try and plea to a misdemeanor count of falsifying business records. Good change Bragg will accept an agreement because if the trial goes forward and Trump is either acquitted or case is overturned on appeal, that would be the end of Bragg's career. With this, he can still hang his hat on a conviction, even if it's not a felony.

[mjba257]

https://twitter.com/aweissmann_/status/1780266112036331671
https://twitter.com/bradmossesq/status/1780269764591391226

www.dontgiveableep.com

Seriously, we are arguing over paperwork? From almost ten years ago!

Meanwhile, an old lady just got mugged in Manhattan, somebody just got pushed onto a subway track, a homeless man is defecating on the sidewalk, etc. But the Manhattan DA is more concerned about paperwork from 10 years ago. Give me a break!

[mjba257]

Meanwhile, an old lady just got mugged in Manhattan, somebody just got pushed onto a subway track, a homeless man is defecating on the sidewalk, etc. But the Manhattan DA is more concerned about paperwork from 10 years ago. Give me a break!

You are repetitive and tiresome with this.  The NYPD (which has 36,000 officers and another 19,000 civilian employees) and the Manhattan DA's office are capable of doing more than one thing at once.  Give it a rest.

[/b]

Well apparently not because they keep releasing violent offenders back onto the streets within hours of apprehension.

[mjba257]

I haven’t followed the details of each individual juror, but I’m surprised the prosecution is letting lawyers onto the jury.  I had thought it was common knowledge that lawyers were generally good for the defendant.  I myself was once seated as a potential juror in a criminal trial (I think a drug sale case), but was dismissed by the prosecution when I told them I had a law degree.

Once someone is seated on the jury, is that set in stone? I know jurors constantly are dismissed during trial (hence why you need alternates), but could the prosecution motion to have someone already seated be dismissed before jury selection is complete? Or the defense for that matter?

[mjba257]

A juror is being interviewed on MSNBC after being dismissed for saying she cannot be impartial, said Trump looks less orange, more yellow, and not angry but bored. She just became a citizen and got jury duty.

If he's yellow, that could be from jaundice, a common symptom of liver failure. Years of prescription drug abuse (like Adderall) can cause that

[mjba257]

Is this entire case really going to rely on the assertion that the hush money payments constitute an in-kind campaign contribution?? I just can't see it.

Yes, that's a literally perfect description of what Cohen was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for (& what AMI settled with both the DOJ & FEC over) committing & concealing at Trump's direction, & why!

You leave out the part that Cohen was also convicted of perjury (which impeaches his credibility) and fraud regarding a taxi medallion scheme which made up the bulk of his sentence. If I'm not mistaken, the hush money only constituted 6 months of his sentence.

[mjba257]

Any idea on the time frame of this trial? When is it expected to conclude? Will there be additional delay tactics?

[mjba257]

Any idea on the time frame of this trial? When is it expected to conclude? Will there be additional delay tactics?

Not sure what you mean by delay tactics, but I think the ballpark estimate was 6-8 weeks -- so we likely have at least two more weeks minimum.

By delay tactics, I mean filing frivolous motions, calling unnecessary witnesses, firing lawyers, etc. Anything to either prolong the trial or cause a mistrial

[mjba257]

Any idea on the time frame of this trial? When is it expected to conclude? Will there be additional delay tactics?

Not sure what you mean by delay tactics, but I think the ballpark estimate was 6-8 weeks -- so we likely have at least two more weeks minimum.

By delay tactics, I mean filing frivolous motions, calling unnecessary witnesses, firing lawyers, etc. Anything to either prolong the trial or cause a mistrial

Got it.  Yeah I think six to eight weeks total was the ballpark estimate, but who knows?

I still don't believe this case ultimately ends up before the jury. Either Team Trump finds something that ties the judges hands and forces a mistrial or there's a plea down to misdemeanors.