(Source-nbcnews.com)
Special counsel Jack Smith’s unexpected re-indictment to Donald Trump’s Legal challenges in the federal election subversion case on Tuesday serves as a stark reminder to the former president: Despite delaying trials in three of his four criminal cases, Trump still faces significant legal challenges as he makes his final push for the White House.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up after Labor Day, several critical hearings and deadlines will likely draw voters’ attention to the numerous felony charges against him, potentially disrupting his campaign trail. Notably, Trump is scheduled to be sentenced in Manhattan next month for state fraud charges related to the hush money case, coinciding with the start of early voting in some states.
Court Dates Loom During Campaign
On September 18, Trump will learn whether his path to the White House could be jeopardized by a potential prison sentence. Convicted of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment, Trump successfully postponed his sentencing from July to September, citing the need to consider the Supreme Court’s July 1 decision on presidential immunity. He is now seeking another delay to explore appellate options, but if the request is denied, the Republican nominee could face punishments ranging from community service to up to four years in prison.
Even if sentenced, Trump’s Legal Challenges is unlikely to be removed from the campaign trail immediately, as he would likely remain free pending a lengthy appeals process. If he wins the presidency, serving the sentence could be further delayed until after his term.
In addition to the New York case, Trump’s Washington criminal case, involving charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, also has the potential to disrupt his campaign. Smith’s new indictment, adjusting the case in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, will prompt a fresh round of legal proceedings overseen by U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who has yet to schedule Trump’s legal challenges of his arraignment on the re-issued charges.
Judge’s Rulings and Ongoing Appeals Add Pressure to Trump’s Legal Challenges
Smith’s team has agreed that Trump’s presence isn’t necessary for the new arraignment, especially considering the extensive security measures required to transport him to and from the federal courthouse on Capitol Hill. However, the final decision rests with Judge Chutkan. Even if she allows Trump to skip the arraignment, she may schedule additional court dates that could pull Trump off the campaign trail during critical weeks.
Judge Chutkan has consistently emphasized that Trump’s political schedule will not dictate her court calendar. Her upcoming decision is likely to be influenced by a court filing due Friday, in which Smith and Trump will propose a plan for advancing the long-delayed case. Smith’s new indictment underscores his intent to have Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, as a key witness. Although a trial is likely months away, ongoing legal battles over future testimony could generate significant media attention in the final stages of the campaign.
Smith also attempts to revive the classified documents case U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon recently gave Trump a reprieve in what many view as the strongest case against him: Smith’s case alleging that Trump retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office and then concealed them when the federal government sought their return.
Judge Cannon dismissed the case last month, ruling that Smith was improperly appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland, effectively pausing the trial timeline. Smith is now appealing this ruling to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, with additional briefs due in the next two months and potential oral arguments later this year.
These filings and proceedings are expected to attract attention in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign but are unlikely to be resolved before November 5. Regardless of the appeals court’s decision, the losing party can continue to challenge the ruling, possibly taking the case to the Supreme Court, which would likely extend the case into 2025.
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