Tag

Obstruction Charges

All articles tagged with #obstruction charges

legal1 year ago

Heated Hearing Unveils New Evidence in Trump Classified Docs Case

A heated federal hearing in former President Trump's classified documents case saw prosecutors dismiss arguments by co-defendant Walt Nauta's attorney as "garbage." Nauta, accused of lying to the FBI and obstructing justice, seeks dismissal of charges, claiming selective prosecution. The judge questioned the relevance of alleged prosecutorial misconduct to Nauta's case, while prosecutors maintained their stance on Nauta's unique role in the alleged crimes.

legalcourt-proceedings1 year ago

Judge Unseals Evidence in Trump Co-Defendants' Classified Documents Case

Judge Aileen Cannon overseeing Donald Trump's classified documents trial has ordered the public release of a grand jury testimony by co-defendant Walt Nauta, accused of obstruction, with redactions to protect witness identities. The trial date is yet to be finalized, with Trump's lawyers suggesting a potential August start date due to campaign commitments, while Special Counsel Jack Smith's team previously proposed a July trial.

legalcourt-news1 year ago

"Judge Denies Trump Co-Defendants' Dismissal Motions in Classified Documents Case"

U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon denied dismissal motions by Donald Trump’s co-defendants, ruling that federal prosecutors had met the legal threshold for obstruction charges in the classified document case. The co-defendants had argued lack of evidence and knowledge of ongoing investigation, but the judge stated that such arguments could be made at trial. The prosecutors claim that the co-defendants misled investigators and plotted to delete security footage to prevent officials from retrieving the boxes from Trump’s property. Cannon also rejected requests for a bill of particulars, stating that the indictment is detailed enough.

legalcourt-proceedings1 year ago

Judge Denies Trump Co-Defendants' Bid to Dismiss Obstruction Charges in Classified Documents Case

A federal judge denied efforts by Donald Trump's co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, to dismiss obstruction charges they faced in the classified documents case, allowing the charges to proceed to trial. The judge also has yet to decide on several motions by Trump to dismiss charges against him. Nauta, Trump's personal valet, is accused of assisting in hiding classified documents, while De Oliveira, a property manager at Mar-a-Lago, faces charges related to moving boxes of documents. The judge rejected their claims that the charges were legally flawed and denied their requests for more information from prosecutors.

law-and-justice1 year ago

"Supreme Court's Review of January 6 Charges Ignites Legal Debate"

Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's questioning of obstruction charges brought against a January 6 defendant has sparked fury on social media, with conservative justices signaling a potential upending of criminal charges related to the Capitol riot. Kavanaugh and other conservative justices expressed concerns about the broad application of the anti-obstruction provision and questioned the necessity of the charge given the other counts brought against the defendant. The Biden administration argued that the obstruction charge was warranted due to the defendant's intent to impede Congress and assault law enforcement officers. The criticism on social media focused on the justices' role in deciding charges and the perceived leniency towards the defendant. A decision in the case is expected by late June.

politics1 year ago

"Supreme Court's Role in Jan. 6 Fallout and Trump's Legal Battles"

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear cases involving Donald Trump's efforts to avoid prosecution for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results and a man indicted in the Capitol attack. The cases could have implications for Trump's potential 2024 presidential run. Trump faces multiple criminal cases, including charges related to hush money paid to a porn star. The court's decisions could impact the prosecution of hundreds of Capitol riot defendants, including Trump, and may influence the outcome of Trump's trial on election-related charges before the 2024 election.

legalcourt-proceedings1 year ago

"Judge Considers Tossing Obstruction Charges in Trump Classified Docs Case"

Judge Aileen Cannon will consider the validity of obstruction charges against Donald Trump's co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, accused of helping Trump hide classified documents at Mar-a-Lago and lying to the FBI. The judge's decision will likely impact Trump's defense in the case. Nauta and De Oliveira have requested the charges be thrown out, citing lack of evidence and vagueness, while the special counsel argues that these issues should be decided by a jury. If the judge rejects their efforts, the co-defendants have asked for detailed descriptions of the offenses from prosecutors.

legalcourt-news1 year ago

"Legal Maneuvers: Trump's Co-Defendants Seek Charges Dropped in Classified Documents Case"

Co-defendants Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, along with former President Donald Trump, are seeking to have charges related to the handling of classified documents dismissed. Nauta's attorney argues that the indictment fails to allege corrupt conduct, while De Oliveira is also asking for dismissal. The judge is expected to delay the trial start date following recent arguments from both the defense and the special counsel.

politics1 year ago

"Insights from FBI Interview Transcript and Co-Defendants' Motion in Trump's Classified Documents Case"

The FBI interview transcript of former President Donald Trump's aide, Walt Nauta, has been made public, revealing his characterization of boxes of sensitive documents at Mar-a-Lago. Nauta faces obstruction-related charges and has pleaded not guilty. The transcript also details FBI agents' explanation of the stakes of their investigation and their interest in the whereabouts of sensitive government documents, emphasizing the potential risks of exposure to foreign intelligence services. Nauta denied telling Trump about the interview and claimed he told Trump he was going for a run.

legalcriminal-justice1 year ago

"Sen. Bob Menendez Pleads Not Guilty to Expanded Charges in Bribery Case"

Senator Bob Menendez and his wife pleaded not guilty to new obstruction charges in a federal indictment, which added to the bribery and corruption charges he already faced. The couple allegedly tried to make bribes look like loans and sought to cover up the payments when they learned of the federal investigation. They are scheduled to stand trial in May alongside two New Jersey businessmen who also pleaded not guilty to the new obstruction counts. A third businessman pleaded guilty and agreed to cooperate. Menendez, who has denied all wrongdoing, is the first sitting member of Congress to be charged with conspiracy by a public official to act as a foreign agent.

legalcrime1 year ago

"Sen. Bob Menendez and Wife Hit With New Obstruction Charges in Bribery Case"

Senator Bob Menendez and his wife are facing new obstruction charges in a superseding indictment filed by federal prosecutors in Manhattan, related to their alleged attempts to cover up bribe payments the senator is accused of taking from New Jersey businessmen. The new charges stem from co-defendant Jose Uribe's guilty plea, in which he admitted to providing Nadine Menendez with a Mercedes-Benz convertible in exchange for the senator's help. Prosecutors allege that the couple instructed their attorneys to falsely claim that certain payments were loans when they knew they were bribes. Menendez is also accused of taking gifts in exchange for official favors and is the first sitting member of Congress to be charged with conspiracy to act as a foreign agent.

legalcriminal-justice1 year ago

"Appeals Court Decision Could Impact Hundreds of Jan. 6 Rioter Cases"

A federal appeals court overturned a portion of a Jan. 6 defendant's sentence, potentially affecting over 100 related cases, ruling that the "enhanced" sentencing for "substantial interference with the administration of justice" did not apply to Congress's role in the electoral certification process. The decision could lead to resentencing for defendants with similar sentences. More than 1,300 individuals have been charged in connection to the Jan. 6 riot, with former President Donald Trump also facing an obstruction charge. The Supreme Court is set to decide on a separate Jan. 6 defendant's appeal related to obstruction charges, which will impact other defendants accused of similar offenses.

politics2 years ago

Trump PAC's Mounting Legal Bills Drain Millions

The Save America leadership PAC, which supports Donald Trump, has reportedly spent over $40 million on legal costs in the first half of 2023 to defend the former president, his advisers, and others. This comes as Trump faces mounting legal troubles, including a superseding indictment related to the alleged improper retention of classified documents and obstruction charges. Trump has also been indicted in New York state court and is a target of investigations into the events of January 6th. The PAC has consistently solicited donations to cover legal bills and has previously reported raising tens of millions of dollars. Trump's campaign spokesperson argued that the payments were necessary to protect innocent people from financial ruin, while Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the PAC's spending on Trump's bills rather than on defeating Democrats.

politics2 years ago

Trump Claims He's a Target in Multiple Investigations into Capitol Attack and Election Overturning Efforts

Former President Donald Trump has claimed that he received a "target letter" from special counsel Jack Smith's Jan. 6 grand jury, indicating that he expects to be indicted. The letter offers Trump the opportunity to speak to the grand jury, but it is uncommon for targets of criminal investigations to do so. The investigation is focused on potential obstruction charges related to Trump's actions leading up to and on Jan. 6, including pressuring Vice President Mike Pence and promoting false claims about the election. Trump is also facing other criminal charges and investigations, including in Manhattan and Fulton County, Georgia.

politics2 years ago

Comparing Trump and Clinton's classified document scandals.

Donald Trump's comparison of his indictment on charges of illegally retaining classified documents and obstructing the federal investigation to Hillary Clinton's email scandal is inaccurate and self-serving. While investigators found problems with how both Trump and Clinton handled classified material, there are several key differences between their cases. Trump mishandled far more material and was charged with knowingly breaking the law and obstructing the investigation, while the FBI concluded that Clinton didn’t act with criminal intent.