Official Trump Lawsuit Watch Thread

[billisonboard]

"Mark my words here: There will be a moment when President Trump is giving one of his big speeches somewhere and the FBI will storm the stage," Starnes said. "They will arrest the president on national television

1) He is not President
2) He isn't giving big speeches
3) His speeches aren't being broadcast on national television

[djAdvocate]

lock him up.

[Tennesseer]

Trial Set for Trump Org's Ex-Money Man

The Trump Organization and its former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, are headed toward a criminal trial for tax fraud in October, as a New York state judge refused to dismiss the indictment on Friday morning.

New York Justice Juan Merchan shot down nearly every request by Trump’s family company and his finance man to dismiss the case. Merchan was unconvinced that prosecutors mishandled the grand jury indictment—and he tossed aside the claim that the case was politically motivated.

“This trial's gonna take a long time,” prosecutor Joshua Adam Steinglass said in court.

The judge scheduled a hearing next month to determine if prosecutors can use potentially incriminating statements that Weisselberg told law enforcement when he was detained briefly last year.

It’s been nearly a year since Weisselberg has appeared in court for this case. The last time, his defense lawyers revealed that prosecutors had discovered a ton of new evidence in some unnamed person’s basement.

Weisselberg and the Trump Organization were indicted June 30, 2021 for tax fraud and falsifying business records. They’re accused of hatching a plot to reward him with untaxed fringe benefits—like a swanky apartment, a luxury car, and expensive private school tuition for his grandkids.

One key witness—whose testimony from a New York prison started this whole Weisselberg investigation—is Michael Cohen, a disbarred lawyer who was once Trump’s former consigliere.

Rest of article here: Trial Set for Trump Org's Ex-Money Man

[happyhoix]

Aug 12, 2022 11:01:12 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Trial Set for Trump Org's Ex-Money Man

The Trump Organization and its former chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, are headed toward a criminal trial for tax fraud in October, as a New York state judge refused to dismiss the indictment on Friday morning.

New York Justice Juan Merchan shot down nearly every request by Trump’s family company and his finance man to dismiss the case. Merchan was unconvinced that prosecutors mishandled the grand jury indictment—and he tossed aside the claim that the case was politically motivated.

“This trial's gonna take a long time,” prosecutor Joshua Adam Steinglass said in court.

The judge scheduled a hearing next month to determine if prosecutors can use potentially incriminating statements that Weisselberg told law enforcement when he was detained briefly last year.

It’s been nearly a year since Weisselberg has appeared in court for this case. The last time, his defense lawyers revealed that prosecutors had discovered a ton of new evidence in some unnamed person’s basement.

Weisselberg and the Trump Organization were indicted June 30, 2021 for tax fraud and falsifying business records. They’re accused of hatching a plot to reward him with untaxed fringe benefits—like a swanky apartment, a luxury car, and expensive private school tuition for his grandkids.

One key witness—whose testimony from a New York prison started this whole Weisselberg investigation—is Michael Cohen, a disbarred lawyer who was once Trump’s former consigliere.

Rest of article here: Trial Set for Trump Org's Ex-Money Man

Funny they mentioned Cohen. I was wondering if it was his basement that had the big stash of files.

If you throw people under the bus this happens.

[Tennesseer]

'That decision has consequences': Experts respond to Trump pleading the 5th

Legal experts are questioning Donald Trump’s claim that he's helped his case by pleading the Fifth when giving a sworn deposition to lawyers from the Office of the New York Attorney General. At least one lawyer says Attorney General Letitia James’ case against the former president is now “immeasurably stronger.”

Trump infamously derided others over the years for invoking their Fifth amendment right to silence, saying people only invoke their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if they’re guilty.

In a lengthy statement after his testimony Wednesday, Trump said, “under the advice of my counsel and for all of the above reasons, I declined to answer the questions under the rights and privileges afforded to every citizen under the United States Constitution.”

“I once asked, ‘If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?’ Now I know the answer to that question,” he added. “When your family, your company and all the people in your orbit have become targets of unfounded, politically motivated Witch Hunt supported by lawyers, prosecutors, and the Fake News Media, you have no choice.”

Legal experts demurred.

Trump critic and attorney George Conway asserted that Attorney General Letitia James’ “case against Trump became immeasurably stronger today.”

"In any civil case that AG James may bring against Trump, the finder of fact is free to draw adverse inferences from his invocation of the Fifth Amendment’s protections," Conway added.

“Trump was right to take the Fifth, but that decision has consequences," remarked former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti. "While his silence can’t be used against him in a criminal case, it can be used against him in the AG’s civil case.”

“If he is sued,” Mariotti added, “jurors may be instructed [that] they should presume his answers would have hurt him.”

Attorney Tristan Snell, who successfully prosecuted a case against the Trump University for the New York Attorney’s Office, offered additional insight.

“Trump pleads Fifth, refuses to answer NY AG questions about Trump Organization’s alleged tax and financial fraud," Snell tweeted. "This is a civil case — so the court can draw an inference of liability. This is exactly what the AG was hoping to achieve. The case is now even stronger.”

Snell also posited that “Don Jr. and Ivanka did not plead the Fifth, likely because their involvement with the fraud was minimal. Donald Trump pled the Fifth, because he was almost certainly running the fraud.”

Historian Garrett Graff, former editor of Politico magazine added, “I recognize it’s the important right of any American to take the Fifth, but it’s worth noting how Hillary Clinton sat through 11 hours of public Benghazi testimony and sat with the FBI for 3.5 hours amid her emails—and when Trump faces questions, he takes the Fifth.”

'That decision has consequences': Experts respond to Trump pleading the 5th

[djAdvocate]

did Trump object to the release of the warrant, or NOT?
it is 3:32ET

[Tennesseer]

Aug 12, 2022 14:32:46 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

did Trump object to the release of the warrant, or NOT?
it is 3:32ET

No judicial word yet. CNN is reporting they have a copy of the search warrant but not specifically stating what's in it until judge rules.

[Tennesseer]

Judge has now unsealed the search warrant document.

[ken a.k.a OMK]

CNN is reporting they have a copy of the search warrant but not specifically stating what's in it until judge rules.

fox would never have waited for permission. 

[djAdvocate]

4 minutes ago — Former President Donald J. Trump leaving Trump Tower in New York on ... The search warrant for Trump's residence cited three criminal laws

[Tennesseer]

Trump Executive Nears Plea Deal With Manhattan Prosecutors
Allen H. Weisselberg, who was charged with participating in a tax scheme, will not cooperate with the district attorney’s investigation into Donald J. Trump.

A senior executive at Donald J. Trump’s family business who was charged with participating in a yearslong tax scheme is nearing a deal with Manhattan prosecutors but will not cooperate with a broader investigation into Mr. Trump, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

If it becomes final, a plea deal for the executive, Allen H. Weisselberg, would bring prosecutors no closer to indicting the former president but would nonetheless brand one of his most trusted lieutenants a felon.

On Monday, Mr. Weisselberg’s lawyers and prosecutors met with the judge overseeing the case, according to a court database. The judge scheduled a hearing for Thursday, a possible indication that a deal has been reached and a plea could be entered then.

While Mr. Weisselberg, 75, is facing financial penalties as well as up to 15 years in prison if convicted by a jury, a plea deal would avoid a high-profile trial and most likely would spare him a lengthy sentence. Two people with knowledge of the matter said that Mr. Weisselberg was expected to receive a five-month jail sentence. With time credited for good behavior, he is likely to serve about 100 days.

The other terms of Mr. Weisselberg’s deal were not clear, including whether he had made additional concessions to prosecutors to receive it. His lawyer, Nicholas A. Gravante Jr., confirmed that he was in negotiations but declined to discuss the specifics. Another lawyer for Mr. Weisselberg, Mary E. Mulligan, declined to comment, as did a spokeswoman for the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg.

In fits and starts over the last few years, the district attorney’s office has been examining whether Mr. Trump and his company fraudulently inflated the value of his real estate to obtain loans and benefits. The investigation, initially led by Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the district attorney at the time, evolved into one of the greatest legal threats Mr. Trump faced.

The district attorney’s criminal investigation continued after Mr. Weisselberg was charged last summer with taking part in a 15-year scheme to receive off-the-books perks at Mr. Trump’s company, the Trump Organization, which was also indicted in the case.

The company will not join Mr. Weisselberg in pleading guilty on Thursday, two people with knowledge of the matter said. And Mr. Weisselberg, while admitting his own guilt, is not expected to implicate anyone in the Trump family.

Trump Executive Nears Plea Deal With Manhattan Prosecutors

[Tennesseer]

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg cut a deal to do five months in jail while not cooperating with investigators. While the deal might be great for Weisselberg, former Justice Department prosecutor for Robert Mueller's investigation, Andrew Weissmann, said it isn't for the Trump Org.

Speaking to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Monday evening, Weissmann said that in the next few days it could be that Weisselberg is actually pleading guilty as part of the deal.

"The reason that is important for Donald Trump is the Trump Organization is scheduled for trial in October," he explained. Once Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty, it is over for the Trump Organization. The crimes he committed, get imputed to the Trump Organization. So, the leverage in terms of the financial consequences to Donald Trump doesn't mean he's gonna go to jail, but the consequences for the Trump Organization are huge."

Weissmann described it as a "big deal" for the former president in part because what he did was all about making more money, but it was also about bribery.

"This is a big deal," he went on. "So, I think that would be number one, focus on the financial consequences of the Allen Weisselberg deal. And then, down the road, I mean, Lawrence, you laid out a litany of criminal and national security trouble, in Florida, in D.C., in Georgia. And this is a day where you saw a movement on all fronts. And to me, the thing that I thought was probably the most telling was the grand jury subpoena to Eric Hirschmann. There is a guy who can completely corroborate what we heard from Cassidy Hutchinson. I am sure he has information."

He also noted that Hirschmann isn't likely to corroborate the idea that Trump had some kind of magical order to declassify everything.

"So, that was a very bad fact, in terms of signaling that Merrick Garland is really I think, putting his foot on the gas," he closed.

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

[happyhoix]

Aug 16, 2022 9:50:25 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg cut a deal to do five months in jail while not cooperating with investigators. While the deal might be great for Weisselberg, former Justice Department prosecutor for Robert Mueller's investigation, Andrew Weissmann, said it isn't for the Trump Org.

Speaking to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Monday evening, Weissmann said that in the next few days it could be that Weisselberg is actually pleading guilty as part of the deal.

"The reason that is important for Donald Trump is the Trump Organization is scheduled for trial in October," he explained. Once Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty, it is over for the Trump Organization. The crimes he committed, get imputed to the Trump Organization. So, the leverage in terms of the financial consequences to Donald Trump doesn't mean he's gonna go to jail, but the consequences for the Trump Organization are huge."

Weissmann described it as a "big deal" for the former president in part because what he did was all about making more money, but it was also about bribery.

"This is a big deal," he went on. "So, I think that would be number one, focus on the financial consequences of the Allen Weisselberg deal. And then, down the road, I mean, Lawrence, you laid out a litany of criminal and national security trouble, in Florida, in D.C., in Georgia. And this is a day where you saw a movement on all fronts. And to me, the thing that I thought was probably the most telling was the grand jury subpoena to Eric Hirschmann. There is a guy who can completely corroborate what we heard from Cassidy Hutchinson. I am sure he has information."

He also noted that Hirschmann isn't likely to corroborate the idea that Trump had some kind of magical order to declassify everything.

"So, that was a very bad fact, in terms of signaling that Merrick Garland is really I think, putting his foot on the gas," he closed.

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

I’ve seen several articles that claim this but I don’t understand why.

Weisselberg is pleading guilty to having Trump Inc pay for private school or expensive apartments for employees as a way to reduce how much taxes the employees have to pay on their income.

How will admitting they did that bring down all of Trump Org?

[Tennesseer]

Aug 17, 2022 10:08:16 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Aug 16, 2022 9:50:25 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg cut a deal to do five months in jail while not cooperating with investigators. While the deal might be great for Weisselberg, former Justice Department prosecutor for Robert Mueller's investigation, Andrew Weissmann, said it isn't for the Trump Org.

Speaking to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Monday evening, Weissmann said that in the next few days it could be that Weisselberg is actually pleading guilty as part of the deal.

"The reason that is important for Donald Trump is the Trump Organization is scheduled for trial in October," he explained. Once Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty, it is over for the Trump Organization. The crimes he committed, get imputed to the Trump Organization. So, the leverage in terms of the financial consequences to Donald Trump doesn't mean he's gonna go to jail, but the consequences for the Trump Organization are huge."

Weissmann described it as a "big deal" for the former president in part because what he did was all about making more money, but it was also about bribery.

"This is a big deal," he went on. "So, I think that would be number one, focus on the financial consequences of the Allen Weisselberg deal. And then, down the road, I mean, Lawrence, you laid out a litany of criminal and national security trouble, in Florida, in D.C., in Georgia. And this is a day where you saw a movement on all fronts. And to me, the thing that I thought was probably the most telling was the grand jury subpoena to Eric Hirschmann. There is a guy who can completely corroborate what we heard from Cassidy Hutchinson. I am sure he has information."

He also noted that Hirschmann isn't likely to corroborate the idea that Trump had some kind of magical order to declassify everything.

"So, that was a very bad fact, in terms of signaling that Merrick Garland is really I think, putting his foot on the gas," he closed.

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

I’ve seen several articles that claim this but I don’t understand why.

Weisselberg is pleading guilty to having Trump Inc pay for private school or expensive apartments for employees as a way to reduce how much taxes the employees have to pay on their income.

How will admitting they did that bring down all of Trump Org?

One would have to ask Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann that question.

[billisonboard]

Aug 17, 2022 10:49:52 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Aug 17, 2022 10:08:16 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

I’ve seen several articles that claim this but I don’t understand why.

Weisselberg is pleading guilty to having Trump Inc pay for private school or expensive apartments for employees as a way to reduce how much taxes the employees have to pay on their income.

How will admitting they did that bring down all of Trump Org?

One would have to ask Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann that question.

What I have seen is Lawrence O'Donnell tends to have guests who offer the more extreme possibilities.

[happyhoix]

Aug 17, 2022 11:05:06 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 17, 2022 10:49:52 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

One would have to ask Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann that question.

What I have seen is Lawrence O'Donnell tends to have guests who offer the more extreme possibilities.

Gotcha. I thought maybe it was just a legal thing I wasn’t familiar with.

[Tennesseer]

Aug 17, 2022 11:05:06 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

Aug 17, 2022 10:49:52 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

One would have to ask Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann that question.

What I have seen is Lawrence O'Donnell tends to have guests who offer the more extreme possibilities.

Have at it Bills-find fault with this one too.

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump is struggling to find reputable lawyers to assist him as the FBI investigates his unusual retention of highly classified information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

"The struggle to find expert legal advice puts Trump in a bind as he faces potential criminal exposure from a records dispute with the National Archives that escalated into a federal investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act and other statutes," reported Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, Carol D. Leonnig, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rosalind S. Helderman. "'Everyone is saying no,' said a prominent Republican lawyer, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations."

"Ordinarily, the prestige and publicity of representing a former president, as well as the new and complex legal issues at stake in this case, would attract high-powered attorneys. But Trump’s search is being hampered by his divisiveness, as well as his reputation for stiffing vendors and ignoring advice," said the report. "'In olden days, he would tell firms representing him was a benefit because they could advertise off it. Today it’s not the same,' said Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Trump who was convicted of tax evasion, false statements, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress in 2018. 'He’s also a very difficult client in that he’s always pushing the envelope, he rarely listens to sound legal advice, and he wants you to do things that are not appropriate, ethically or legally.'"

According to the report, the legal team Trump is stuck with is less than prepared to help him with such a high-profile legal battle.

"People familiar with the search for legal help said the effort includes Susie Wiles, a close adviser to Trump, and attorney Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago during the search and signed for the list of documents taken," said the report. "Former campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn is taking a prominent role, and former White House aide Kash Patel is advising informally. Patel is raising money for a 'legal offense' fund by selling merchandise such as tank tops and beanies emblazoned with the logo 'K$H.'"

"Trump’s other lawyer currently based in Florida is Lindsey Halligan, whose practice, according to a professional biography, focuses on insurance claims at residential and commercial properties," said the report. "She was admitted to the Florida bar in 2014. A search of federal court records found no filings under her name. She did not respond to requests for comment."

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

[tallguy]

Aug 17, 2022 10:08:16 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Aug 16, 2022 9:50:25 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg cut a deal to do five months in jail while not cooperating with investigators. While the deal might be great for Weisselberg, former Justice Department prosecutor for Robert Mueller's investigation, Andrew Weissmann, said it isn't for the Trump Org.

Speaking to MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell on Monday evening, Weissmann said that in the next few days it could be that Weisselberg is actually pleading guilty as part of the deal.

"The reason that is important for Donald Trump is the Trump Organization is scheduled for trial in October," he explained. Once Allen Weisselberg pleads guilty, it is over for the Trump Organization. The crimes he committed, get imputed to the Trump Organization. So, the leverage in terms of the financial consequences to Donald Trump doesn't mean he's gonna go to jail, but the consequences for the Trump Organization are huge."

Weissmann described it as a "big deal" for the former president in part because what he did was all about making more money, but it was also about bribery.

"This is a big deal," he went on. "So, I think that would be number one, focus on the financial consequences of the Allen Weisselberg deal. And then, down the road, I mean, Lawrence, you laid out a litany of criminal and national security trouble, in Florida, in D.C., in Georgia. And this is a day where you saw a movement on all fronts. And to me, the thing that I thought was probably the most telling was the grand jury subpoena to Eric Hirschmann. There is a guy who can completely corroborate what we heard from Cassidy Hutchinson. I am sure he has information."

He also noted that Hirschmann isn't likely to corroborate the idea that Trump had some kind of magical order to declassify everything.

"So, that was a very bad fact, in terms of signaling that Merrick Garland is really I think, putting his foot on the gas," he closed.

'Once Weisselberg pleads guilty it’s over for the Trump Org': Ex-prosecutor Andrew Weissmann

I’ve seen several articles that claim this but I don’t understand why.

Weisselberg is pleading guilty to having Trump Inc pay for private school or expensive apartments for employees as a way to reduce how much taxes the employees have to pay on their income.

How will admitting they did that bring down all of Trump Org?

As I understand the idea....  If the CFO of the Trump Organization pleads guilty or takes a plea deal, those crimes can also be imputed to the Trump Organization itself.  That trial is still to come, but the New York AG will be in much stronger position with Weisselberg's plea.  She can then possibly try to apply the "corporate death penalty" law against the Trump Organization and shut it down, dissolving the business itself due it its history of criminal patterns of behavior.  This was the law that was used to shut down Trump University, so it does have teeth.  Donald Trump is in danger of getting bitten by those teeth.  

[billisonboard]

Aug 17, 2022 11:46:41 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Aug 17, 2022 11:05:06 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

What I have seen is Lawrence O'Donnell tends to have guests who offer the more extreme possibilities.

Have at it Bills-find fault with this one too.

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump is struggling to find reputable lawyers to assist him as the FBI investigates his unusual retention of highly classified information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

"The struggle to find expert legal advice puts Trump in a bind as he faces potential criminal exposure from a records dispute with the National Archives that escalated into a federal investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act and other statutes," reported Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, Carol D. Leonnig, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rosalind S. Helderman. "'Everyone is saying no,' said a prominent Republican lawyer, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations."

"Ordinarily, the prestige and publicity of representing a former president, as well as the new and complex legal issues at stake in this case, would attract high-powered attorneys. But Trump’s search is being hampered by his divisiveness, as well as his reputation for stiffing vendors and ignoring advice," said the report. "'In olden days, he would tell firms representing him was a benefit because they could advertise off it. Today it’s not the same,' said Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Trump who was convicted of tax evasion, false statements, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress in 2018. 'He’s also a very difficult client in that he’s always pushing the envelope, he rarely listens to sound legal advice, and he wants you to do things that are not appropriate, ethically or legally.'"

According to the report, the legal team Trump is stuck with is less than prepared to help him with such a high-profile legal battle.

"People familiar with the search for legal help said the effort includes Susie Wiles, a close adviser to Trump, and attorney Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago during the search and signed for the list of documents taken," said the report. "Former campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn is taking a prominent role, and former White House aide Kash Patel is advising informally. Patel is raising money for a 'legal offense' fund by selling merchandise such as tank tops and beanies emblazoned with the logo 'K$H.'"

"Trump’s other lawyer currently based in Florida is Lindsey Halligan, whose practice, according to a professional biography, focuses on insurance claims at residential and commercial properties," said the report. "She was admitted to the Florida bar in 2014. A search of federal court records found no filings under her name. She did not respond to requests for comment."

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

As per your request: You have this clear statement addressing the question of experience:

"Trump’s other lawyer currently based in Florida is Lindsey Halligan, whose practice, according to a professional biography, focuses on insurance claims at residential and commercial properties," said the report. "She was admitted to the Florida bar in 2014. A search of federal court records found no filings under her name

 Now contrast it with this:

... former White House aide Kash Patel is advising informally. Patel is raising money for a 'legal offense' fund by selling merchandise such as tank tops and beanies emblazoned with the logo 'K$H.'"

which adds nothing to a reasoned discussion of qualifications and/or legal experience. 

Other than that, it seems to be a good report of what the reporters heard from others. 

[swamp]

Aug 17, 2022 11:46:41 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Aug 17, 2022 11:05:06 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

What I have seen is Lawrence O'Donnell tends to have guests who offer the more extreme possibilities.

Have at it Bills-find fault with this one too.

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump is struggling to find reputable lawyers to assist him as the FBI investigates his unusual retention of highly classified information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

"The struggle to find expert legal advice puts Trump in a bind as he faces potential criminal exposure from a records dispute with the National Archives that escalated into a federal investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act and other statutes," reported Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, Carol D. Leonnig, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rosalind S. Helderman. "'Everyone is saying no,' said a prominent Republican lawyer, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations."

"Ordinarily, the prestige and publicity of representing a former president, as well as the new and complex legal issues at stake in this case, would attract high-powered attorneys. But Trump’s search is being hampered by his divisiveness, as well as his reputation for stiffing vendors and ignoring advice," said the report. "'In olden days, he would tell firms representing him was a benefit because they could advertise off it. Today it’s not the same,' said Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Trump who was convicted of tax evasion, false statements, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress in 2018. 'He’s also a very difficult client in that he’s always pushing the envelope, he rarely listens to sound legal advice, and he wants you to do things that are not appropriate, ethically or legally.'"

According to the report, the legal team Trump is stuck with is less than prepared to help him with such a high-profile legal battle.

"People familiar with the search for legal help said the effort includes Susie Wiles, a close adviser to Trump, and attorney Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago during the search and signed for the list of documents taken," said the report. "Former campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn is taking a prominent role, and former White House aide Kash Patel is advising informally. Patel is raising money for a 'legal offense' fund by selling merchandise such as tank tops and beanies emblazoned with the logo 'K$H.'"

"Trump’s other lawyer currently based in Florida is Lindsey Halligan, whose practice, according to a professional biography, focuses on insurance claims at residential and commercial properties," said the report. "She was admitted to the Florida bar in 2014. A search of federal court records found no filings under her name. She did not respond to requests for comment."

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

Not that I am a high powered lawyer or anything close to that, but I have actually represented criminal defendants.  

Trump is a nightmare.  He takes up all your time, he doesn't listen to your advice (in fact, he appears to relish doing the exact opposite of what you've told him to do) and he doesn't pay his bills.  Not worth it.  

[happyhoix]

Aug 17, 2022 11:46:41 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Aug 17, 2022 11:05:06 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

What I have seen is Lawrence O'Donnell tends to have guests who offer the more extreme possibilities.

Have at it Bills-find fault with this one too.

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump is struggling to find reputable lawyers to assist him as the FBI investigates his unusual retention of highly classified information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

"The struggle to find expert legal advice puts Trump in a bind as he faces potential criminal exposure from a records dispute with the National Archives that escalated into a federal investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act and other statutes," reported Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, Carol D. Leonnig, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rosalind S. Helderman. "'Everyone is saying no,' said a prominent Republican lawyer, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations."

"Ordinarily, the prestige and publicity of representing a former president, as well as the new and complex legal issues at stake in this case, would attract high-powered attorneys. But Trump’s search is being hampered by his divisiveness, as well as his reputation for stiffing vendors and ignoring advice," said the report. "'In olden days, he would tell firms representing him was a benefit because they could advertise off it. Today it’s not the same,' said Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Trump who was convicted of tax evasion, false statements, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress in 2018. 'He’s also a very difficult client in that he’s always pushing the envelope, he rarely listens to sound legal advice, and he wants you to do things that are not appropriate, ethically or legally.'"

According to the report, the legal team Trump is stuck with is less than prepared to help him with such a high-profile legal battle.

"People familiar with the search for legal help said the effort includes Susie Wiles, a close adviser to Trump, and attorney Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago during the search and signed for the list of documents taken," said the report. "Former campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn is taking a prominent role, and former White House aide Kash Patel is advising informally. Patel is raising money for a 'legal offense' fund by selling merchandise such as tank tops and beanies emblazoned with the logo 'K$H.'"

"Trump’s other lawyer currently based in Florida is Lindsey Halligan, whose practice, according to a professional biography, focuses on insurance claims at residential and commercial properties," said the report. "She was admitted to the Florida bar in 2014. A search of federal court records found no filings under her name. She did not respond to requests for comment."

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

Yeah I was just reading this. Trump has to be the world’s worst legal client, plus he doesn’t pay his bills. And they need lawyers who are fine with questionable ethics. Who wants to get in bed with him, legally?

I can see why he picked the OAN reporter to represent him though - she’s cute. Maybe if the jury is as misogynistic and shallow as he is he’ll win.

[Tennesseer]

Allen Weisselberg, longtime Trump Organization CFO, pleads guilty to tax evasion

Allen Weisselberg, who first met Donald Trump in the 1970s when he began working for Trump's father, pleaded guilty Thursday to charges in New York that accused him of running a yearslong scheme to avoid taxes while he was the Trump Organization's chief financial officer.

Weisselberg pleaded guilty to all 15 counts -- including conspiracy, criminal tax fraud, grand larceny and falsifying business records -- and conceded he skirted taxes on nearly $2 million in income, including fringe benefits like rent, luxury cars and private school tuition for his grandchildren.

The plea implicates former President Trump's namesake family business, which was charged in the same indictment by the Manhattan District Attorney's office.

MORE: Longtime Trump Organization CFO expected to plead guilty to tax charges, say sources
"In one of the most difficult decisions of his life, Mr. Weisselberg decided to enter a plea of guilty today to put an end to this case and the years-long legal and personal nightmares it has caused for him and his family," said Weisselberg's attorney, Nicholas Gravante Jr. "Rather than risk the possibility of 15 years in prison, he has agreed to serve 100 days. We are glad to have this behind him."

Weisselberg repeatedly answered "Yes, your honor" as Judge Juan Merchan asked a series of questions about the scheme to evade taxes, admitting that he falsely underreported compensation, including a luxury apartment on Riverside Drive in Manhattan, multiple Mercedes Benz cars, cash, private school tuition for his grandchildren, and additional homes.

As part of his plea deal, Weisselberg, 75, agreed to serve five months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. He also agreed to testify against the Trump Organization when the company goes on trial in connection with the alleged compensation scheme beginning in October.

If he does not testify truthfully, the deal is off, exposing Weisselberg to additional prison time of between five and 15 years.

"The defendant must agree to testify truthfully at the trial of the Trump Organization," assistant district attorney Joshua Steinglass said.

The plea agreement contains no requirement for Trump's longtime CFO to cooperate in the criminal case against Trump himself, which centers on whether the former president knowingly misled tax authorities, lenders and insurance brokers by providing inaccurate financial statements about the value of his real estate portfolio.

Rest of article here: Allen Weisselberg, longtime Trump Organization CFO, pleads guilty to tax evasion

[djAdvocate]

fatal.  not for Weisselberg.  

[pulmonarymd]

It was an obvious outcome. No way a 75 yo wants to be in and potentially die in jail. Wonder how Trump feels about the outcome

[djAdvocate]

Aug 18, 2022 15:37:36 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

It was an obvious outcome. No way a 75 yo wants to be in and potentially die in jail. Wonder how Trump feels about the outcome

he should have a whole load of creamy brown stuff in the shorts by now.

if not, he is a fucking idiot.

would not discount the latter possibility.

[happyhoix]

Aug 18, 2022 15:29:07 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

fatal.  not for Weisselberg.  

So do you think the DA can use what this accountant says in order to claim the Trump Org is an essentially criminal operation and shut it down like they did with Trump University and the Trump charity? 

[djAdvocate]

Aug 18, 2022 16:25:31 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Aug 18, 2022 15:29:07 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

fatal.  not for Weisselberg.  

So do you think the DA can use what this accountant says in order to claim the Trump Org is an essentially criminal operation and shut it down like they did with Trump University and the Trump charity? 

in a word, yes.

[billisonboard]

Aug 18, 2022 16:25:31 GMT -5 happyhoix said:

Aug 18, 2022 15:29:07 GMT -5 djAdvocate said:

fatal.  not for Weisselberg.  

So do you think the DA can use what this accountant says in order to claim the Trump Org is an essentially criminal operation and shut it down like they did with Trump University and the Trump charity? 

re: "like they did with"

Trump charity

The foundation agreed to dissolve under the supervision of a judge. Underwood's office will supervise the disbursement of the foundation's remaining assets to charities. Trump Foundation To Dissolve Amid New York Attorney General's Investigation

Trump University

In 2011, amid multiple investigations, lawsuits and student complaints, it ceased operations. Trump University

So they weren't actually shut down by the DA.

Re: "the DA can use what this accountant says in order to claim the Trump Org is an essentially criminal operation and shut it down"

I think it would be more accurate "... to claim the Trump Org is an essentially criminal operation and ask a court to shut it down". 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Aug 17, 2022 12:45:00 GMT -5 swamp said:

Aug 17, 2022 11:46:41 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Have at it Bills-find fault with this one too.

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported that former President Donald Trump is struggling to find reputable lawyers to assist him as the FBI investigates his unusual retention of highly classified information at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

"The struggle to find expert legal advice puts Trump in a bind as he faces potential criminal exposure from a records dispute with the National Archives that escalated into a federal investigation into possible violations of the Espionage Act and other statutes," reported Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, Carol D. Leonnig, Jacqueline Alemany, and Rosalind S. Helderman. "'Everyone is saying no,' said a prominent Republican lawyer, who like some others spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations."

"Ordinarily, the prestige and publicity of representing a former president, as well as the new and complex legal issues at stake in this case, would attract high-powered attorneys. But Trump’s search is being hampered by his divisiveness, as well as his reputation for stiffing vendors and ignoring advice," said the report. "'In olden days, he would tell firms representing him was a benefit because they could advertise off it. Today it’s not the same,' said Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Trump who was convicted of tax evasion, false statements, campaign finance violations and lying to Congress in 2018. 'He’s also a very difficult client in that he’s always pushing the envelope, he rarely listens to sound legal advice, and he wants you to do things that are not appropriate, ethically or legally.'"

According to the report, the legal team Trump is stuck with is less than prepared to help him with such a high-profile legal battle.

"People familiar with the search for legal help said the effort includes Susie Wiles, a close adviser to Trump, and attorney Christina Bobb, who was present at Mar-a-Lago during the search and signed for the list of documents taken," said the report. "Former campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn is taking a prominent role, and former White House aide Kash Patel is advising informally. Patel is raising money for a 'legal offense' fund by selling merchandise such as tank tops and beanies emblazoned with the logo 'K$H.'"

"Trump’s other lawyer currently based in Florida is Lindsey Halligan, whose practice, according to a professional biography, focuses on insurance claims at residential and commercial properties," said the report. "She was admitted to the Florida bar in 2014. A search of federal court records found no filings under her name. She did not respond to requests for comment."

Trump stuck with the D-list as experienced lawyers refuse to help him with FBI investigation

Not that I am a high powered lawyer or anything close to that, but I have actually represented criminal defendants.  

Trump is a nightmare.  He takes up all your time, he doesn't listen to your advice (in fact, he appears to relish doing the exact opposite of what you've told him to do) and he doesn't pay his bills.  Not worth it.  

So if Trump cannot find adequate representation, isn’t this grounds for getting any possible verdict overturned due to inadequate representation?

I don’t blame any lawyer for not wanting to represent him.  Even if you can ameliorate his non bill paying by getting 100% of your fee up front, he can’t seem to keep his mouth shut and blow things.  I’m curious how his lawyers managed to stifle him for the NYAG subpoena last week.  Did he have a shock collar on?

[swamp]

The bar for inadequate assistance of counsel is really low.