Trump Lawyers Seek Dismissal of Criminal Case Over Hush Money

Adolfo Arranz

2 min read

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04-12-2024

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Attorneys for former President Donald Trump have filed a motion to dismiss the Manhattan District Attorney's criminal case alleging hush-money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. The motion, submitted to the New York Supreme Court, argues that the indictment is legally flawed and politically motivated.

Key Arguments in the Motion to Dismiss

The defense team's central argument hinges on the contention that the hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, orchestrated by Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen, do not constitute a violation of New York's election laws. They claim the payments, while potentially ethically questionable, did not directly influence the outcome of the election and therefore do not meet the legal threshold for campaign finance violations.

Challenges to the Indictment

Further points raised in the motion include:

• Lack of sufficient evidence: The defense argues that the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed a crime. They assert that the indictment relies heavily on circumstantial evidence and the testimony of individuals with questionable credibility.
• Violation of Trump's rights: The motion alleges that the indictment violates Trump's constitutional rights, specifically his right to due process and a fair trial. The defense suggests the timing of the indictment, close to the upcoming presidential election, indicates a politically motivated prosecution.
• Jurisdictional issues: Questions regarding the jurisdiction of the Manhattan District Attorney's office to prosecute this case are also raised.

The Prosecution's Response

The Manhattan District Attorney's office is expected to file a response to the motion to dismiss, outlining their arguments in support of the indictment. The prosecution is likely to emphasize the evidence presented, highlighting the alleged intent to influence the election through the suppression of damaging information.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

The judge will review the arguments presented by both sides before making a decision on the motion to dismiss. Several outcomes are possible, including:

• Dismissal of the case: The judge could grant the motion, effectively ending the criminal case.
• Partial dismissal: The judge might dismiss certain charges while allowing others to proceed.
• Rejection of the motion: The judge could deny the motion, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

The timeline for the judge's decision remains uncertain, but the legal battle is expected to continue for months, potentially extending into the 2024 presidential election cycle. The outcome will have significant implications for both Trump and the legal landscape surrounding campaign finance regulations.

Note: This analysis is based on publicly available information at the time of writing and should not be considered legal advice. The legal arguments and their outcomes remain subject to further developments in the ongoing case.