Title: Trump and Co-defendants Urged to Make Deals as Fulton County Racketeering Case Gains Momentum
Subtitle: Former federal prosecutor advises co-defendants to cooperate and flip against Trump
Date: [Insert Date]
It’s been a dizzying week in Fulton County Superior Court as Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ sprawling racketeering case surrender to jail and negotiate bonds. However, legal experts are advising the co-defendants to make a deal soon to avoid a lengthy trial.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, who has put more than 1,000 criminals behind bars, suggests that Willis wants to focus on trying Trump and flip the other 18 defendants against him. Rahmani encourages the co-defendants to cooperate with the government, as the first to do so often receives the best deal.
The case in Fulton County is massive and unprecedented in American history. Two defendants, former Trump election lawyers Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, invoked their constitutional right to a speedy trial. The response from Willis to Chesebro indicated that she was well-prepared for a trial and requested an expedited trial date for Oct. 23. This move surprised Chesebro, who had hoped to catch Willis off guard.
Meanwhile, five defendants, including former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, filed motions to move their cases from Fulton County court to Atlanta federal court. The co-defendants argued that they carried out their roles in the alleged plan to subvert the election results at Trump’s direction. Defense attorneys anticipate that the prosecution will use any divisions between the co-defendants to their advantage.
Legal experts suggest that division among the co-defendants will benefit the prosecution, as they can use the co-defendants’ testimony against one another. Plea deals are also the norm, but some defendants may choose to go to trial and take their chances with the jury. However, the process of trying numerous defendants simultaneously is slow and could push the defendants to consider plea deals.
Meadows’ motion to move his trial to federal court poses an interesting legal challenge. If successful, it could lead to the charges against him being thrown out. However, experts note that Meadows arguing that he was following Trump’s orders may work against Trump himself. Whether the trial will proceed as one united conspiracy case or separate cases for each defendant remains to be seen.
As the case gains momentum, it marks the first time in history that a former or current president is on trial. Trump, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing, has become the first-ever past or sitting president to have his mugshot taken by the police.
In the coming days, the co-defendants will need to carefully review the evidence turned over by Willis’ office and consult with their defense lawyers to determine their best course of action. The trial is expected to be a complex and challenging legal battle that will test the limits of the legal system.