All articles tagged with #defendants
Defendants involved in the January 6 Capitol riot are seeking pardons from former President Donald Trump, anticipating his potential return to power. This move highlights the ongoing legal and political ramifications of the events of January 6, as well as the influence Trump continues to wield over his supporters.
The Supreme Court's review of an obstruction law used against Capitol rioters has led to the release of about 10 defendants from prison, with more expected to follow. Federal judges have allowed these individuals to await the court's decision at home, creating complications as the interrupted sentences could be reinstated depending on the ruling. The law, known as 18 U.S.C. 1512, has been used against over 350 rioters, including prominent figures like the "QAnon Shaman" and members of extremist groups.
Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, co-defendants of former President Donald Trump, have accepted plea deals in their racketeering case in Georgia, allowing them to avoid jail time. Plea deals are negotiated agreements between the prosecution and defense to settle criminal cases without going to trial, with over 90% of resolved criminal cases ending through plea deals. Prosecutors use plea deals to strengthen their cases and defendants often accept them due to limited options and the fear of harsher outcomes at trial. Defendants who accept plea deals are still held accountable for the crimes they were charged with, facing convictions, criminal records, and potential consequences such as probation, fines, and limited opportunities.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has requested that all 19 defendants in the Georgia election interference case be tried together, maintaining that severance is improper at this stage. The request comes after a judge ordered defendant Kenneth Chesebro to stand trial separately, prompting Trump's attorneys to move to sever the case. Willis seeks clarification on the order and argues that there is insufficient information to determine if any defendant can obtain a motion to sever. The DA's office also asks for a deadline for defendants who want to sever the case. Former President Trump, Chesebro, Mark Meadows, Sidney Powell, and 15 others were charged in the racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Meadows is seeking to move his case to federal court, claiming his actions were within his role as chief of staff. The judge has requested additional briefing on the matter.
Janae Edmondson, a volleyball player who lost her legs after a car hit her in St. Louis, has filed a lawsuit against the City of St. Louis, along with other defendants involved in the crash. The city declined to comment on the pending litigation.