DOJ opposes Donald Trump’s request to delay criminal trial over classified documents

[ad_1]

Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith has opposed Donald Trump’s request for an indefinite delay in his criminal trial over classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, allegedly belonging to former presidents the one who asks for boundaries in vain.

There is no basis in law or fact for proceeding in such an uncertain and open-ended manner, and the Defendants provide none, wrote assistant special counsel David Harbach.

Trump and his personal valet, Walt Nauta, have pleaded not guilty to withholding national defense records after leaving the White House and conspiracy to obstruct justice. US District Judge Aileen Cannon set a tentative trial date for Aug. 14, but the Smiths’ team argued that Dec. 11 would provide enough time for defense attorneys to obtain clearances. on security and review the evidence.

Trump’s lawyers this week asked that the case be delayed indefinitely because of the overwhelming evidence and the argument that he won’t get a fair trial while campaigning for president in 2024. Trump’s lawyers also said the judges will make new decisions regarding the Presidential Records Act because this is the first criminal case against a former president.

Prosecutors disagreed.

As for the impact of the Presidential Records on this prosecution, any argument that orders the dismissal of the Indictment or constitutes a defense to the charges borders on futility, Harbach wrote.

Cannon scheduled a conference call Tuesday for attorneys involved in the case.

Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to reporters Friday, June 9, 2023, in Washington. Former President Donald Trump faces 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents, according to an indictment unsealed Friday.

The Trumps’ lawyers argued that the evidence was too voluminous to review quickly. The government released 833,450 pages of declassified documents including 122,650 emails and attachments and 305,670 records gathered from 90 different custodians. Prosecutors also provided about nine months of closed-circuit television footage.

But prosecutors say only about 4,500 pages of the 800,000 are key documents. Prosecutors also said defense claims about the nine months of video footage were misleading because the government was only using select cameras.

The story continues

Prosecutors say about 340 classified documents are at stake in the case and most will be taken to a secure reading room in Miami next week. Only two of Trump’s lawyers have applied for security clearances so far, prosecutors said.

If defense attorneys want to argue new aspects of the case, prosecutors said they will respond promptly. Prosecutors said the presidential campaign should not determine when the trial will be held.

Many accused defendants are demanding jobs that require a significant amount of time and energy, or a significant amount of travel, Harbach wrote.

This article originally appeared in USA TODAY: DOJ urges court to keep Dec. 11 trial dates for Donald Trump

[ad_2]