What do you make of the reported 34 counts? Could they all stem from hush money or do you think there are likely counts for unrelated charges such as property valuation issues?
I don't know how often the NY state returns are filed and how many were falsified. If it was more than one, that would explain multiple counts. There was clearly a conspiracy to violate the law and, if that is proven, he's responsible for crimes committed by others in furtherance of the conspiracy in addition to the conspiracy charge itself. On a conspiracy indictment/Information, they would charge the conspiracy itself with the crimes committed in furtherance of it set out as "predicate acts." After that count, the predicate acts themselves can be charged as additional counts. All conjecture at this point, I'm looking forward to reading it.
Perhaps it is the intention of committing another crime, having to do with campaign fraud, is the difference? https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/30/trump-indictment-new-york-federal-case/ While the indictment remains under seal, the case will likely have as much to do with federal statutes as it does New York law. Legal pundits expect charges that Trump falsified business records when he reimbursed his then-lawyer Michael Cohen for payments Cohen made to Daniels to keep quiet about her allegation that she had an affair with Trump (which Trump has denied). Normally, such falsification would be a misdemeanor under state law; it rises to felony level if the mischaracterization is made to conceal the activity to commit another crime. Bragg intends to meet that criterion by arguing that Trump intended to violate federal campaign finance law by directing the payments in this manner, presumably to avoid having to disclose them on campaign finance reports.
So which was it claimed to have been paid as? A business expense or a campaign expense? From what I could tell seems like it’s alleged as a business expense.
As I noted up thread I misspoke. There are many opinions on what the charges are. There was no intent to infer otherwise. Please refresh my memory on what the Edwards charges were since I’m mistaken. If you notice I even typed “if I’m not mistaken” that phrase right there suggests being unsure, did ya miss that or just chose to ignore it and be a jerk?
We will all know soon enough what the charges are. I expect that the indictment will be detailed. That said, CNN reports 30 charges of financial crimes. If this stems from the investigation of Trump and his company, and it involves financial crimes, the payment to Stormy Daniels might be one charge. Perhaps the use of corporate funds for personal purposes. The failure to properly account for those funds, including as income (NY has an income tax). Not necessarily the payment. I prefer to wait than to speculate.
It has been interesting hearing from the crowd that has their noses up Trumps rear end. For years we have heard that they DOJ is WEaponized by the Dems, even when Trump appointee Barr refused to indict him for obstruction in the Russia probe. Even though Muller identified 3 instances when there was sufficient evidence of all of the elements. They say he hasn’t been charged with anything. And now that he is charged, they call it political and invoke Soros dog whistle without even knowing the facts. That is the reality we live in. The same people who call democrats “elites,” will defend this “elite” no matter what.
Lots of opinions here, but there are only 2 things known for sure: 1. No one but the DA and grand jury knows what the actual charges are, or however weak or strong the evidence is behind them. Period. 2. DeSantis cannot constitutionally refuse to extradite Trump if NY satisfies the required extradition conditions, however stupid the statements he may release might be. It’s not discretionary under the USC. Period. Everything else is speculation.
I wonder if the Central Park Five will be there smiling and waving as he enters the courthouse? Oh well, none of this will hurt Trump and he’ll probably just have to pay a fine, though he may have a little problem with the “You have the right to remain silent” part as they read him his Miranda rights.
Well, he fired Andrew Warren for saying he wouldn't cooperate with prosecuting new laws... if we apply the same logic, DeSantis should now be fired for refusing to cooperate with an extradition order.
I'm all for justice, not because I have a personal vendetta or a bloodlust against someone. If someone is guilty, then they should be punished. I am not beholden to Trump in anyway. If he is guilty, then I won't shed a tear. That will be justice. If Trump is convicted, then someone else will step up. And I'm totally fine with a different candidate. I would prefer that actually. Give me DeSantis.
In fairness I believe DeSantis meant if they wanted Trump then they need to get him themselves, that he’s not going to use Florida LEO’s to arrest Trump.
You mean the guy who just prejudged the case? Interesting. I thought you were against that sort of thing.
