Trump lawyers meet with DOJ as decision on whether to file charges in Mar-a-Lago case looms

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WASHINGTON (AP) Donald Trump’s lawyers met with Justice Department officials Monday as a decision nears whether to indict the former president’s handling of classified documents at his Florida estate.

Trump’s lawyers two weeks ago requested a meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland to express concerns about their alleged prosecutorial misconduct and overreach by the team led by special counsel Jack Smith. But a defense attorney’s meeting with Justice Department officials is also often used as an opportunity to try to persuade them against bringing criminal charges.

A trio of Trump lawyers James Trusty, John Rowley and Lindsey Halligan exited the Justice Department building in Washington on Monday morning after more than an hour inside. They got into a black sport utility vehicle and did not respond to reporters’ questions.

Trump’s lawyers have not seen the classified documents he described as having in a July 2021 recording. (CNN, WZTV, WRTV, POOL, FOX NEWS, DOD, DOJ)

It was not immediately clear who from the Justice Department attended the meeting. A spokeswoman for Smith had no immediate comment, and a Justice Department spokeswoman did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

The investigation into the potential mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago is believed to be nearing completion, with a charging decision likely soon. Prosecutors put a wide cross section of witnesses, including lawyers for Trump and close aides, before a grand jury.

In addition to the Mar-a-Lago investigation, Smith led a separate investigation into efforts by Trump and his allies to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election.

It is unclear when or if charges may be filed.

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Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www/twitter.com/etuckerAP

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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