Current:Home > ScamsTrump may try to have his Georgia election interference case removed to federal court -AssetLink
Trump may try to have his Georgia election interference case removed to federal court
View
Date:2025-04-22 00:00:42
Attorneys for former President Donald Trump have notified Georgia state court in Fulton County that they may seek to remove his election interference case to federal court, according to a court filing.
If Trump seeks removal to federal court, he would be the sixth defendant in District Attorney Fani Willis' sweeping racketeering case to do so, joining former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former DOJ official, Jeffrey Clark, former Coffee County GOP chair Cathy Latham, current Georgia state Sen. Shawn Still, and former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer.
Meadows' motion for removal, filed on Aug. 15 by his attorney George Terwilliger and Atlanta-based attorney Joseph Englert, is based on a federal law that they argue requires the removal of criminal proceedings brought in state court to the federal court system when someone is charged for actions they allegedly took as a federal official acting "under color" of their office.
MORE: Why Trump, other Georgia defendants might try to get cases removed to federal court
Shafer, in a separate filing Thursday, accused one of the lead prosecutors in the case of an "improper communication" with him after he was charged -- and is requesting an evidentiary hearing and sanctions on the matter.
Shafer, who was one of Trump's so-called "fake electors" in the alleged election interference plot, claims in the filing that the private law firm of Fulton County special prosecutor Nathan Wade sent a mailer to his home essentially offering him representation by the firm of the prosecutor that indicted him.
The filing says the front of the brochure sent to Shafer's home "features a photo of Special Prosecutor Wade and [his partner] smiling." The inside, the filing states, directs Shafer to "please contact us today to discuss your criminal case."
The filing also says that the mailer included a letter with Shafer's name on it, written by special prosecutor Wade's partner, with the subject "IMPERSONATING A PUBLIC OFFICER"-- the very charge that Shafer faces in the indictment.
Shafer's attorney, Craig Gillen, says in the filing that the mailer is in "violation of the anti-contact provision," but claims that it is "far more egregious than a typical violation of the rule, given the fact that it constitutes a communication with a criminal defendant by the lead prosecuting attorney's law firm regarding charges in which the attorney has been responsible for bringing."
The filing asks the judge in the case to hold an evidentiary hearing on the matter.
The Fulton County district attorney's office declined to comment when contacted by ABC News.
Wade's law partner in his private firm did not immediately return a request for comment.
Trump and 18 others have pleaded not guilty to all charges in a Fulton County indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia.
The former president says his actions were not illegal and that the investigation is politically motivated.
veryGood! (986)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Idaho Murder Case: Bryan Kohberger Gives New Details About His Alibi
- Cheryl Burke recalls 'Dancing With the Stars' fans making her feel 'too fat for TV'
- Fire in truck carrying lithium ion batteries leads to 3-hour evacuation in Columbus, Ohio
- Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
- Cheryl Burke recalls 'Dancing With the Stars' fans making her feel 'too fat for TV'
- Officer fatally shoots man who confronted him with knife, authorities say
- Pregnant Lala Kent Claps Back at Haters Over Naked Selfie
- Paris Olympics live updates: Quincy Hall wins 400m thriller; USA women's hoops in action
- 'Transformers One' trailer launches, previewing franchise's first fully CG-animated film
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Valerie Bertinelli's apparent boyfriend confirms relationship: 'I just adore her'
- Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon' is back in 'Part 2': What kind of mark will 'Scargiver' leave?
- Georgia beach town, Tybee Island, trying to curb Orange Crush, large annual gathering of Black college students
- Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
- Woman dies after riding on car’s hood and falling off, police say
- Nevada Supreme Court rulings hand setbacks to gun-right defenders and anti-abortion activists
- Psst! There’s a Lilly Pulitzer Collection at Pottery Barn Teen and We’re Obsessed With the Tropical Vibes
Recommendation
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
Maryland teen charged with planning school shooting after police review writings, internet searches
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s Surprise Performance Is the Sweet Escape You Need Right Now
Nevada Supreme Court rulings hand setbacks to gun-right defenders and anti-abortion activists
How breaking emerged from battles in the burning Bronx to the Paris Olympics stage
TikTok ban bill is getting fast-tracked in Congress. Here's what to know.
Virginia school bus hits DMV building, injures driver and two students, officials say
Man who lost son in Robb Elementary shooting criticizes Uvalde shirt sold at Walmart; store issues apology