Donald Trump’s first criminal trial is officially on the books—and it starts before the election.

GOP front-runner Donald Trump is officially headed to court next month—the first of his four upcoming criminal trials expected sometime this year.

On Thursday, Trump headed to New York for a court hearing on his hush-money case. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan ignored his requests for a delay and determined the trial would start on March 25, when jury selection will begin.

Trump is accused of using his former fixer Michael Cohen to sweep an affair with porn actress Stormy Daniels under the rug ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

As a result, he’s facing 34 felony charges in this case for allegedly falsifying business records with the intent to further an underlying crime. Trump has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

  • ryrybang@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    Trump’s attorney said it was “unfathomable” that Trump would be ready to balance his legal obligations with his campaigning.

    I can’t believe this stuff is even allowed in open court. Campaigning isn’t even a job. It’s a 100% optional thing somebody chooses to do in running for elected office. It can be stopped at any moment for any reason, completely and willingly.

    A court date for multiple felonies is an obligation. It’s much higher priority. There’s no comparison.

    If it is a fair excuse, then I guess we should all be campaigning.

    Sorry boss, it’s unfathomable to work today because I need to campaign. Sorry your honor, jury duty is unfathomable because I’m working the crowds. Sorry IRS, can’t file my taxes this year because I’m busy raising money on social media.

    • lolcatnip@reddthat.com
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      9 months ago

      Trump is a sovcit in all but name. He’ll never acknowledge that any court has authority over him.

      • Patches@sh.itjust.works
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        9 months ago

        That’s the thing about Sovcits. They don’t have to acknowledge the authority of a higher entity to face the consequences.

    • ThunderWhiskers@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      This is all completely ignoring the absurdity of allowing an individual who has been indicted for election interference to participate in an election in any capacity.

    • thetreesaysbark@sh.itjust.works
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      9 months ago

      Or just the obvious.

      ‘Sorry I can’t come to my court hearing because I have to work’

      Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think the court cares.

    • jballs@sh.itjust.works
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      9 months ago

      Does this mean if you’re employed, you could just commit countless crimes and then postpone the trials indefinitely? “Sorry I can’t have a murder trial right now, I’m scheduled to open tomorrow at MacDonalds.”

    • mPony@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      The attorney is saying that this jerk shouldn’t have to face legal obligations. He is far too busy for things like due process.