U.S. courthouse activity in Miami hints at potential charges against ex-President Donald Trump in Florida, not Washington.
Special Counsel Jack Smith has convened grand juries in both locations to review evidence in his investigation into whether the former president mishandled classified information after his departure from the White House in January 2021.
Donald Trump Ex-Spokesperson Testifies in Miami Grand Jury
Former Trump spokesperson, Taylor Budowich, revealed on Wednesday that he had testified before the grand jury in Miami. Media reports have observed prosecutors working on the investigation at the Florida courthouse.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the necessity of filing charges in Florida since the alleged crimes occurred at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach. The jurisdiction for such charges is being questioned.
Smith’s office representative chose not to comment, while there has been no response from Trump’s lawyer regarding the request for comment. According to a reliable source, federal prosecutors have informed Trump’s attorneys that he is a target of the investigation.
Strength of Case Weighed in Venue Decision
Experts suggest that the U.S. Justice Department might prefer to bring the case in Florida to avoid prolonged legal disputes raised by Trump’s team over the appropriate jurisdiction. Under federal law, defendants have the right to be charged where the alleged activity occurred.
Smith could potentially indict Trump in Florida while charging others in Washington, particularly if they are cooperating and have waived the issue of jurisdiction.
Choosing to prosecute in Florida would eliminate the argument from Trump’s team that the trial is being conducted in a politically biased environment. Florida supported Republican Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, whereas Washington is predominantly Democratic.
Former federal prosecutor Michael Bromwich suggested that despite potential biases in the jury pool, the strength of the evidence being compiled by Smith and his team gives them a high level of confidence in proving the case to any jury.
The decision regarding the venue may depend on whether Trump ultimately faces charges of obstruction of justice, which would suggest a prosecution in Florida, or a broader conspiracy involving the removal of documents from the White House, as suggested by Washington lawyer William Taylor III.
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