The location in which potential charges are brought in the Trump documents case has huge legal implications that prosecutors can’t afford to mess up, writes jordan_s_rubin.
in the Donald Trump classified documents probe raises a host of questions that might not be answered until we see what charges, if any, are brought — and where.
But the location in which any charges are brought — whether in Florida, Washington, D.C., or elsewhere — is more than just a matter of trial strategy. It has huge legal implications that prosecutors can’t afford to mess up, lest they risk the case getting thrown out.where the crimes allegedly occurred. Sometimes that’s simple — for example, if there’s a murder at a specific place, then its location gives the answer.
The common wisdom is that Trump would rather be tried in Florida than in Washington, given he could have a more favorable jury pool and judges in the Sunshine State. Of course, facing criminal charges wouldn’t be a picnic anywhere, and the Supreme Court could resolve any appeals. At any rate, while Smith may prefer Washington, the venue issue will factor into his charging decisions — and likely already has. Former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman explained on “Deadline: White House” Tuesday that if prosecutors choose the wrong venue, then the whole case can go away.
So if Trump is charged only in Florida — or in both Florida and Washington — it could be due to that technical, but highly important, venue requirement.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why did a GOP prosecutor in Florida pass on voter fraud cases?Ron DeSantis’ election police arrested 20 former felons for unknowingly casting improper ballots, but as stevebenen writes, a GOP state attorney in a GOP part of the state passed on prosecuting effectively identical cases.
Read more »
Federal grand jury in Florida to hear testimony in Trump documents caseNEW: A federal grand jury will meet this week in Florida to hear evidence in special counsel Jack Smith's investigation of former President Trump’s handling of classified documents, according to sources familiar with the investigation.
Read more »
Florida grand jury involved in Trump documents probe by Justice Dept., AP source saysFederal prosecutors are using a grand jury in Florida as part of their investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents at former President Donald Trump’s Palm Beach property.
Read more »
Florida grand jury involved in DOJ’s Trump documents probeFederal prosecutors are using a grand jury in Florida as part of their investigation into the possible mishandling of classified documents at former President Donald Trump's Palm Beach property, a person familiar with the matter said Tuesday night.
Read more »