Trump: Set to declare 2024 presidential bid tonight; will indictments follow soon?

[Bob Armstrong]

Legal Problems - Criminal Case # 3 (Of 4)



Prosecutor: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, under New York Attorney General, Letitia James

Manhattan Criminal Court Charge: Falsifying corporate documents # 1 - 34 counts of falsification of New York business records in an attempt to cover up hush-money payments to Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper.Stephanie claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump, which he vehemently denies.
Mr. Bragg further accuses Mr. Trump of trying to hide “damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election". Public disclosure of this could have derailed Trump's stunning victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Mr. Bragg seeks a "felony" conviction for what would normally be a "misdemeanor". He argues that the intent to commit or conceal another crime (By making the illegal hush money payment), including breaking “state and federal election laws,” raises the charge to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, under New York law.

Interim Motions & Decisions (prior to trial): See Post # 231 (24/4/12)

Start of Trial (Mon. 24/4/15) - Trial Judge Juan Manuel Marchan

Update (24/4/17)

Expected Unfolding of Trial

1. Jury Selection - expected to take about 8 days; A panel of 12 New Yorkers and likely six alternates will ultimately be chosen. Court recessed today (Wed., Apr. 17). Jury Selection will continue Thursday.

More Than Half of First Panel of Jurors Excused on Monday & Tuesday - More than 50 the first batch of potential jurors were excused after being asked whether they believed they could be fair and impartial.

Around nine more were excused for not being able to serve for other reasons.

One juror who left the courtroom was heard saying, "I just couldn't do it."

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/tru...ghlight-news-1

Update (24/4/16)

2. Among the witnesses expected to testify are Michael Cohen, Trump’s longtime fixer turned major accuser, whose credibility will be a big issue; Hope Hicks, Trump’s former press secretary, who could help corroborate Cohen’s testimony; Stephanie Clifford (Stormy Daniels), the porn star who received $130,000 in payments Trump is charged with laundering through Cohen; Karen McDougal, a former Playboy playmate of the year who also received hush money; and David Pecker, the National Enquirer chief testifying for the prosecution, whose catch-and-kill scheme to bury dirt on Trump will open a window on how tabloid journalism, well, changed world history.

Trump claimed on Friday (24/4/12) that he’s willing to testify, but that may be just his usual posturing. If he rejects the pleading of his attorneys and takes the stand, cross-examination about his many lies would be admissible.

The trial overall is estimated to take about 8 weeks.

https://messaging-custom-newsletters...d396a4debfd6ce

Live Trial Updates : https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04...d396a4debfd6ce

Elon Musk Comments: Elon Musk Calls Trump Trial ‘Obviously a Corruption of the Law’ - ‘This case is obviously a corruption of the law,’ Mr. Musk said. ‘Lawfare.’

https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/elo...tent=us-news-3

Note: - This is the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. It may be the only one of the 4 current criminal cases against Trump where the trial gets started in 2024.

Bob A

[Bob Armstrong]

Legal Problems - Criminal Case # 3 (Of 4)



Prosecutor: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, under New York Attorney General, Letitia James

Manhattan Criminal Court Charge: Falsifying corporate documents # 1 - 34 counts of falsification of New York business records in an attempt to cover up hush-money payments to Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper.Stephanie claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump, which he vehemently denies.
Mr. Bragg further accuses Mr. Trump of trying to hide “damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election". Public disclosure of this could have derailed Trump's stunning victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Mr. Bragg seeks a "felony" conviction for what would normally be a "misdemeanor". He argues that the intent to commit or conceal another crime (By making the illegal hush money payment), including breaking “state and federal election laws,” raises the charge to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, under New York law.

Interim Motions & Decisions (prior to trial): See Post # 231 (24/4/12)

TODAY (Mon. 24/4/15) - Trial Judge Juan Manuel Marchan: Criminal Trial Begins: Jury selection (Expect a number of days); trial estimated to take about 8 weeks.

Live Trial Updates : https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04...d396a4debfd6ce

Note: - This will be the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. It may be the only one of the 4 current criminal cases against Trump where the trial gets started in 2024.

Bob A

[Bob Armstrong]

[Fred Henderson]

<snip>

If people generally mind their own business (as in Libertarianism), rather than enjoy minding other people's business (as in Marxism), there is less for everyone to complain about...

LOL.

[Bob Armstrong]

Legal Problems - Criminal Case # 3 (Of 4)

Prosecutor: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, under New York Attorney General, Letitia James

Manhattan Criminal Court Charge: Falsifying corporate documents # 1 - 34 counts of falsification of New York business records in an attempt to cover up hush-money payments to Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper.Stephanie claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump, which he vehemently denies.
Mr. Bragg further accuses Mr. Trump of trying to hide “damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election". Public disclosure of this could have derailed Trump's stunning victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Mr. Bragg seeks a "felony" conviction for what would normally be a "misdemeanor". He argues that the intent to commit or conceal another crime (By making the illegal hush money payment), including breaking “state and federal election laws,” raises the charge to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, under New York law.

Trial Date by Manhattan Trial Judge Juan Manuel Marchan: Monday, April 15,2024

Prosecutor Motion (24/2/22): impose a limited gag order on Mr. Trump. In a court filing, Mr. Bragg wrote that “the need for such protection is compelling.” He also said: " [Trump's past] remarks [about court proceedings], as well as the inevitable reactions they incite from defendant’s followers and allies, pose a significant and imminent threat to the orderly administration of this criminal proceeding and a substantial likelihood of causing material prejudice.”

https://www.nysun.com/article/alvin-...0%202024-02-26

Decision on Prosecution Motion: Reserved

Trump Application (Mon., 24/3/25)

1.That the criminal trial be adjourned indefinitely - because the Supreme Court of Canada has an appeal on "Presidential Immunity" re the Jan. 6, 2023 Insurrection allegation. The trial has to await the prior decision of the US Supreme Court.
2. the disclosure of evidence by the prosecution to the defence only recently is "prosecutorial misconduct". Judge Merchan must delay the trial 90 days, indefinitely or throw out the case altogether!

Decision on Application (24/3/25)

1. Judge Marchan suggested that Mr. Trump’s lawyers were dragging their feet and scolded them for accusing Manhattan prosecutors of misconduct without seeming to substantiate their allegations. For roughly an hour, the judge, Juan M. Merchan, slammed arguments from Mr. Trump’s lawyers that his case should be pushed back any longer because of newly disclosed documents from a related federal investigation. Then there was a 45-minute break.
Judge Merchan then returned to the courtroom, said that no harm had been done to the former president by the delayed disclosure, he was not adjourning the criminal trial, and confirmed the already set trial date of Mon., April 15, 2024.
2. Decision on "Immunity Delay": Reserved

Supplementary Order on Prosecutor's earlier Gag Order Motion (Tues., March 26/24)

There will be imposed on Mr. Trump a gag order that prohibits him from attacking witnesses and prosecutors in the case [This is in public for sure, but I don't know if it includes "in private". Anyone know?].

Final Decision on Earlier "Immunity Delay" Application (24/4/4):[/FEN] There is no reason to delay the criminal trial until the Supreme Court determines Trump's "Immunity" claim. Trial will proceed on Mon, April 15 as already ordered.

Trump Application to Manhattan Appeals Court Judge Lizbeth Gonzalez: that the criminal proceeding be paused, and the trial be moved to a different location.

Judge Gonzalez' Decision (24/4/8): Application Dismissed

Trump Notice (24/4/8): Trump intends to file an unusual type of lawsuit against the criminal trial judge overseeing the case, Juan M. Merchan. It will be an attempt to have the trial judge removed. Judge Merchan has ordered that the criminal trial proceed in one week (Mon., April 15/24)

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/08/n...d396a4debfd6ce

24/4/12 Update

Further Trump Application (Last-Ditch Attempt): Trial should be delayed due to bias of Judge Merchan (His daughter is a Democratic Party operative)

Single Appellate Judge, Ellen Gesmer: Decision (Wed., 24/4/10): Application Dismissed

Trump Response: Denounces ‘Lawfare, as his 3rd application for delay during the week is rejected.
[Wikipedia: Lawfare is the use of legal systems and institutions to damage or delegitimize an opponent, or to deter an individual's usage of their legal rights.]

https://www.nysun.com/article/trump-...0%202024-04-11

Criminal Trial: Mon., April 15, 2024 - will begin with jury selection; estimated to take about 8 weeks.

Note: - This will be the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. It may be the only one of the 4 current criminal cases against Trump where the trial gets started in 2024.

Bob A

[Bob Armstrong]

Legal Problems - Criminal Case # 3 (Of 4)

Prosecutor: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, under New York Attorney General, Letitia James

Manhattan Criminal Court Charge: Falsifying corporate documents # 1 - 34 counts of falsification of New York business records in an attempt to cover up hush-money payments to Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper.Stephanie claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump, which he vehemently denies.
Mr. Bragg further accuses Mr. Trump of trying to hide “damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election". Public disclosure of this could have derailed Trump's stunning victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Mr. Bragg seeks a "felony" conviction for what would normally be a "misdemeanor". He argues that the intent to commit or conceal another crime (By making the illegal hush money payment), including breaking “state and federal election laws,” raises the charge to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, under New York law.

Trial by Manhattan Trial Judge Juan Manuel Marchan: Monday, April 15,2024

Past & Future of this criminal case

Your Questions About Trump’s Hush-Money Trial, Answered

https://time.com/6965419/trump-hush-...lctg=206908353

Bob A

[Dilip Panjwani]

Hi Pargat:

Well, maybe not a hypocrite.........just inconsistency all over the place.......and he doesn't realize it.

And it is important to note that Dilip is not one of the mainstream embodiments of Libertarianism......we need to know if we are dealing with a fringe, personal schema of Libertarianism.

Maybe Dilip could provide a few sources for his "Natural Law" and "not doing harm EXCEPT in "fair" competition" version of Libertarianism, to show he is not fringe?

Bob A

There is nothing 'fringe' about the Natural Law. Supreme Court judges in the USA have declared that it is their guiding light!
What is indeed fringe is creating a political party, Ontario's DM party, and being the only member in it!

[Bob Armstrong]

Trump's Associates" Legal Problems (Criminal)

Trump’s Ex-Finance Chief Is Sentenced to 5 Months in Rikers for Perjury

"Allen H. Weisselberg admitted that he had lied about helping Donald J. Trump inflate his net worth to win favorable loan terms."

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/n...d396a4debfd6ce

Bob A

[Bob Armstrong]

Hi Pargat:

Well, maybe not a hypocrite.........just inconsistency all over the place.......and he doesn't realize it.

And it is important to note that Dilip is not one of the mainstream embodiments of Libertarianism......we need to know if we are dealing with a fringe, personal schema of Libertarianism.

Maybe Dilip could provide a few sources for his "Natural Law" and "not doing harm EXCEPT in "fair" competition" version of Libertarianism, to show he is not fringe?

Bob A

[Dilip Panjwani]

So cooking the books is OK......nothing to see here........deception is fine.........certainly not a mainstream position, as far as I know.

If the issue was just whether Trump had an affair, I think no law applies except the divorce law (Melania could sue on the ground of irreconcilable differences; or she can incorporate it into her idea of a successful marriage). Some might think deception of Melania is a moral problem Trump has, but apparently that also is of no concern to you and Libertarianism generally.......nothing to see here!

Frankly, I find your "Natural Law Morality/Ethics" quite baffling.

Bob A

The Libertarian Morality is just fine, Bob A. If politicians make stupid/corrupt laws, and breaking those laws harms no one, you do not have a problem, do you, despite you being a lawyer losing unnecessary business? And before you comment on anyone else's marital deception or not, you should realize that some in our society have 'open' marriages, and Melania-Donny could be one of those...
Using stupid/corrupt lawfare against your political opponent is what is morally bankrupt, Bob A. Is this how you dream of DM winning elections?

[Pargat Perrer]

So cooking the books is OK......nothing to see here........deception is fine.........certainly not a mainstream position, as far as I know.

If the issue was just whether Trump had an affair, I think no law applies except the divorce law (Melania could sue on the ground of irreconcilable differences; or she can incorporate it into her idea of a successful marriage). Some might think deception of Melania is a moral problem Trump has, but apparently that also is of no concern to you and Libertarianism generally.......nothing to see here!

Frankly, I find your "Natural Law Morality/Ethics" quite baffling.

Bob A

Bob A, you must realize that Dilip is NOT speaking on behalf of Libertarianism as put forward by various Libertarian parties. They do not mention Natural Law or "fair competition".

Dilip is speaking for his own cultist vision, and there may be some few others with that vision but they are a tiny minority and should not be given any credence.

As such, Dilip shows no understanding of politics or of how the world works. The biggest example is that he finally defined the "fair" in "fair competition" to mean not using any means that harms others. Which basically means Libertarianism, according to Dilip, is against use of fossil fuels, is against pesticide chemicals in agriculture, I could go on and on. But of course, he is NOT against any of that because he is a hypocrite.

[Bob Armstrong]

Trump's Legal Problems (Criminal & Civil)


"The Federal Judges Speaking Out Against Trump

The judiciary may be the last line of defense for American democracy."

https://www.theatlantic.com/newslett...Atlantic+Daily

Bob A

[Bob Armstrong]

So cooking the books is OK......nothing to see here........deception is fine.........certainly not a mainstream position, as far as I know.

If the issue was just whether Trump had an affair, I think no law applies except the divorce law (Melania could sue on the ground of irreconcilable differences; or she can incorporate it into her idea of a successful marriage). Some might think deception of Melania is a moral problem Trump has, but apparently that also is of no concern to you and Libertarianism generally.......nothing to see here!

Frankly, I find your "Natural Law Morality/Ethics" quite baffling.

Bob A

[Dilip Panjwani]

Legal Problems - Criminal Case # 3 (Of 4)

Prosecutor: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, under New York Attorney General, Letitia James

Manhattan Criminal Court Charge: Falsifying corporate documents # 1 - 34 counts of falsification of New York business records in an attempt to cover up hush-money payments to Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper.Stephanie claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump, which he vehemently denies.
Mr. Bragg further accuses Mr. Trump of trying to hide “damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election". Public disclosure of this could have derailed Trump's stunning victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Mr. Bragg seeks a "felony" conviction for what would normally be a "misdemeanor". He argues that the intent to commit or conceal another crime (By making the illegal hush money payment), including breaking “state and federal election laws,” raises the charge to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, under New York law.

Trial Date by Manhattan Trial Judge Juan Manuel Marchan: Monday, April 15,2024

Prosecutor Motion (24/2/22): impose a limited gag order on Mr. Trump. In a court filing, Mr. Bragg wrote that “the need for such protection is compelling.” He also said: " [Trump's past] remarks [about court proceedings], as well as the inevitable reactions they incite from defendant’s followers and allies, pose a significant and imminent threat to the orderly administration of this criminal proceeding and a substantial likelihood of causing material prejudice.”

https://www.nysun.com/article/alvin-...0%202024-02-26

Decision on Prosecution Motion: Reserved

Trump Application (Mon., 24/3/25)

1.That the criminal trial be adjourned indefinitely - because the Supreme Court of Canada has an appeal on "Presidential Immunity" re the Jan. 6, 2023 Insurrection allegation. The trial has to await the prior decision of the US Supreme Court.
2. the disclosure of evidence by the prosecution to the defence only recently is "prosecutorial misconduct". Judge Merchan must delay the trial 90 days, indefinitely or throw out the case altogether!

Decision on Application (24/3/25)

1. Judge Marchan suggested that Mr. Trump’s lawyers were dragging their feet and scolded them for accusing Manhattan prosecutors of misconduct without seeming to substantiate their allegations. For roughly an hour, the judge, Juan M. Merchan, slammed arguments from Mr. Trump’s lawyers that his case should be pushed back any longer because of newly disclosed documents from a related federal investigation. Then there was a 45-minute break.
Judge Merchan then returned to the courtroom, said that no harm had been done to the former president by the delayed disclosure, he was not adjourning the criminal trial, and confirmed the already set trial date of Mon., April 15, 2024.
2. Decision on "Immunity Delay": Reserved

Supplementary Order on Prosecutor's earlier Gag Order Motion (Tues., March 26/24)

There will be imposed on Mr. Trump a gag order that prohibits him from attacking witnesses and prosecutors in the case [This is in public for sure, but I don't know if it includes "in private". Anyone know?].

Final Decision on Earlier "Immunity Delay" Application (24/4/4): There is no reason to delay the criminal trial until the Supreme Court determines Trump's "Immunity" claim. Trial will proceed on Mon, April 15 as already ordered.

24/4/9 Update

Trump Application to Manhattan Appeals Court Judge Lizbeth Gonzalez: that the criminal proceeding be paused, and the trial be moved to a different location.

Judge Gonzalez' Decision (24/4/8): Application Dismissed

Trump Notice (24/4/8): Trump intends to file an unusual type of lawsuit against the criminal trial judge overseeing the case, Juan M. Merchan. It will be an attempt to have the trial judge removed. Judge Merchan has ordered that the criminal trial proceed in one week (Mon., April 15/24)

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/08/n...d396a4debfd6ce

Note: - This will be the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. It may be the only one of the 4 current criminal cases against Trump where the trial gets started in 2024.

Bob A

The only person who could have been affected by Trump's affair is Melania. But while she does not seem to be at all concerned about it, it is funny to see Bob A. and all Democrats beating the drum and dancing around this non-issue for the American voter! LOL!!

[Bob Armstrong]

Legal Problems - Criminal Case # 3 (Of 4)

Prosecutor: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, under New York Attorney General, Letitia James

Manhattan Criminal Court Charge: Falsifying corporate documents # 1 - 34 counts of falsification of New York business records in an attempt to cover up hush-money payments to Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels, an American pornographic film actress, director and former stripper.Stephanie claims she had an extramarital affair with Trump, which he vehemently denies.
Mr. Bragg further accuses Mr. Trump of trying to hide “damaging information and unlawful activity from American voters before and after the 2016 election". Public disclosure of this could have derailed Trump's stunning victory in the 2016 presidential election.

Note: Mr. Bragg seeks a "felony" conviction for what would normally be a "misdemeanor". He argues that the intent to commit or conceal another crime (By making the illegal hush money payment), including breaking “state and federal election laws,” raises the charge to a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison, under New York law.

Trial Date by Manhattan Trial Judge Juan Manuel Marchan: Monday, April 15,2024

Prosecutor Motion (24/2/22): impose a limited gag order on Mr. Trump. In a court filing, Mr. Bragg wrote that “the need for such protection is compelling.” He also said: " [Trump's past] remarks [about court proceedings], as well as the inevitable reactions they incite from defendant’s followers and allies, pose a significant and imminent threat to the orderly administration of this criminal proceeding and a substantial likelihood of causing material prejudice.”

https://www.nysun.com/article/alvin-...0%202024-02-26

Decision on Prosecution Motion: Reserved

Trump Application (Mon., 24/3/25)

1.That the criminal trial be adjourned indefinitely - because the Supreme Court of Canada has an appeal on "Presidential Immunity" re the Jan. 6, 2023 Insurrection allegation. The trial has to await the prior decision of the US Supreme Court.
2. the disclosure of evidence by the prosecution to the defence only recently is "prosecutorial misconduct". Judge Merchan must delay the trial 90 days, indefinitely or throw out the case altogether!

Decision on Application (24/3/25)

1. Judge Marchan suggested that Mr. Trump’s lawyers were dragging their feet and scolded them for accusing Manhattan prosecutors of misconduct without seeming to substantiate their allegations. For roughly an hour, the judge, Juan M. Merchan, slammed arguments from Mr. Trump’s lawyers that his case should be pushed back any longer because of newly disclosed documents from a related federal investigation. Then there was a 45-minute break.
Judge Merchan then returned to the courtroom, said that no harm had been done to the former president by the delayed disclosure, he was not adjourning the criminal trial, and confirmed the already set trial date of Mon., April 15, 2024.
2. Decision on "Immunity Delay": Reserved

Supplementary Order on Prosecutor's earlier Gag Order Motion (Tues., March 26/24)

There will be imposed on Mr. Trump a gag order that prohibits him from attacking witnesses and prosecutors in the case [This is in public for sure, but I don't know if it includes "in private". Anyone know?].

Final Decision on Earlier "Immunity Delay" Application (24/4/4): There is no reason to delay the criminal trial until the Supreme Court determines Trump's "Immunity" claim. Trial will proceed on Mon, April 15 as already ordered.

24/4/9 Update

Trump Application to Manhattan Appeals Court Judge Lizbeth Gonzalez: that the criminal proceeding be paused, and the trial be moved to a different location.

Judge Gonzalez' Decision (24/4/8): Application Dismissed

Trump Notice (24/4/8): Trump intends to file an unusual type of lawsuit against the criminal trial judge overseeing the case, Juan M. Merchan. It will be an attempt to have the trial judge removed. Judge Merchan has ordered that the criminal trial proceed in one week (Mon., April 15/24)

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/08/n...d396a4debfd6ce

Note: - This will be the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. It may be the only one of the 4 current criminal cases against Trump where the trial gets started in 2024.

Bob A