Legal expert breaks down why Trump may be facing a 'greater legal threat' in Georgia as opposed to the Mar-a-Lago case

Legal expert breaks down why Trump may be facing a 'greater legal threat' in Georgia as opposed to the Mar-a-Lago case
President Donald J. Trump walks from the White House Monday evening, June 1, 2020, to St. John’s Episcopal Church, known as the church of Presidents’s, that was damaged by fire during demonstrations in nearby LaFayette Square Sunday evening. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)
Bank

A top trial lawyer in the state of Georgia is offering a comparison of two of the investigations former President Donald Trump is facing.

During a recent interview with The Guardian, Ronald Carlson, with the University of Georgia School of Law, suggested that the former president should be more concerned about the election interference investigation being conducted in Fulton County as opposed to the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into his removal of official government documents from the White House.

According to Carlson, it appears Trump's alleged handling of government documents may only lead to minor consequences but the case in Georgia could result in more severe criminal charges.

READ MORE: 'Trump and his team should fear' the newly expanded Georgia criminal investigation: legal analyst

The Guardian's Chris McGreal also noted that Trump is facing three serious investigative probes: the DOJ's investigation into the mishandling of government documents, the New York investigation into the Trump Organization, and the Georgia grand jury's probe into election tampering.

McGreal also explained Carlson's perspective on the case of the classified document and why the consequences may not be harsh.

"Carlson said that even if Trump were prosecuted for removing classified papers from the White House, other officials who have mishandled secret material received only misdemeanor convictions and probation, such as the former CIA director David Petraeus," McGreal wrote.

"He said the New York investigations into allegations of financial fraud are focused more on Trump’s businesses than on the former president," he wrote. "It remains unclear what, if any, criminal charges might come out of Congress' investigation into the 6 January, 2021 assault on Congress."

READ MORE: Judge bars Georgia DA from subpoenaing Republican lawmaker in ongoing Trump election probe

In reference to the Georgia investigative probe, Carlson said, "It’s a greater legal threat to the president and some of his followers than any of the other investigations which are going on right now. Some of the potential charges carry very serious penalties.”

To further explain, Carlson added, "The focus for this grand jury is solicitation of election fraud. Presumably, most of the evidence that they’re receiving will focus on that. Then there will be making false statements to state or other governmental bodies. The creation of a slate of electors, which took the position that Trump had won the election, will come under that sort of umbrella. Then we’ll probably have the grand jury looking at criminal conspiracy and violation of oath of office."

He also noted, "The special grand jury can sit until next May, giving it plenty of time to gather evidence. But unlike regular grand juries, which meet for only two months and issue indictments, it can only submit a report recommending prosecution. Willis must then decide whether to follow that recommendation and appoint a regular grand jury to seek an indictment against Trump or anyone else. Carlson predicted that if the special grand jury recommends prosecution, the district attorney will go ahead," the Guardian report states, with Carlson adding, "She’s a very vigorous and bold advocate. I believe that she will follow through.”

READ MORE: Trump’s effort to get back at Georgia’s conservative GOP governor isn’t working: journalist

Understand the importance of honest news ?

So do we.

The past year has been the most arduous of our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be catastrophic not only to our health - mental and physical - but also to the stability of millions of people. For all of us independent news organizations, it’s no exception.

We’ve covered everything thrown at us this past year and will continue to do so with your support. We’ve always understood the importance of calling out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.

We need your support in this difficult time. Every reader contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference in allowing our newsroom to bring you the stories that matter, at a time when being informed is more important than ever. Invest with us.

Make a one-time contribution to Alternet All Access, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you.

Click to donate by check.

DonateDonate by credit card
Donate by Paypal
{{ post.roar_specific_data.api_data.analytics }}
@2022 - AlterNet Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. - "Poynter" fonts provided by fontsempire.com.