In a recent court filing, prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office accused former President Donald Trump of attempting to exploit his presidential campaign as a shield against prosecution. The 99-page document responded to Trump’s motion to dismiss the criminal case related to hush money payments, describing it as an “attempt to evade criminal responsibility” driven by his political influence. The charges stem from allegations of Trump falsifying business records linked to payments made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign.
Trump’s lawyers argued that the case prejudiced him and interfered with his presidential campaign. However, prosecutors countered, emphasizing the rule of law’s equal application to the powerful and powerless. The court filing addressed the timing of the charges, citing factors such as an extension of the statute of limitations due to a Covid-19 executive order, Trump’s absence from the state as president, and coordination with a federal investigation.
Prosecutors dismissed Trump’s claims of selective targeting by Bragg, asserting the dissimilarity to Clinton’s 2016 campaign conduct. They labeled Trump’s accusations against Bragg succumbing to public pressure as “fanciful” and defended connecting hush money payments to a federal election violation. Trump’s intent to commit or conceal another crime must be demonstrated for charges to elevate from misdemeanors to felonies.
As Trump faces trial in March 2024, the legal battle intertwines political and legal complexities, with Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg at the forefront of handling the intricate case.
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