Blanche claims Trump aims to move Manhattan case to federal court.

Donald Trump’s Attorney Seeks Transfer of Criminal Case to Federal Court

Former US President Donald Trump is facing criminal charges that could upend the 2024 White House race. His attorney, Todd Blanche, announced on Thursday that he will be working to get the criminal case transferred from a Manhattan state court to federal court. The defense anticipates seeking removal of this case to federal court, but there was no mention of the reasoning behind the request.

Trump’s Not Guilty Plea

Trump became the first former president in American history to be indicted, but he chose not to appear at the hearing, which took place one month after his arraignment on April 4th. In response to 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents, the Republican entered a not guilty plea. The charges concern an alleged “hush money” payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election, which Trump has categorically refuted.

Debates Over Protective Order

Judge Juan Merchan heard debates regarding whether or not to impose a protective order preventing Trump from publicly addressing specific evidence provided by prosecutors in the case at the hearing on Thursday. A planned order by prosecutors working for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg had been rejected by Trump’s legal team. On Thursday, Blanche stated that any restrictions placed on Trump “amount to a gag order.”

Free Speech Rights

Regarding Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, Merchan said, “I’m bending over backwards and straining to ensure that he is given every opportunity possible to advance his candidacy.” The judge then restated his concerns about restricting any presidential candidate’s free speech rights, especially speech expressed during an arraignment. “In addition to your client being special, and I don’t mean that in a negative way at all, with that comes the responsibility that his words can have consequences,” said Merchan, whose impartiality has been questioned by Trump’s team.

Prosecutor’s Request

Trump’s lawyers stated in a Monday filing that the prosecutor’s request “would be an unprecedented and extraordinarily broad muzzle on a leading contender for the presidency of the United States.” On April 24th, a prosecutor requested the order and cited “offensive social media posts” and comments made about former special counsel Robert Mueller and his investigation into possible ties between Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia, his two impeachment inquiries, and a Fulton County, Georgia, inquiry into potential efforts to sabotage the 2020 presidential election.

Virtual Court Appearance

After the order had been issued, Trump would be required to appear in court virtually to demonstrate that he understands its terms, according to Merchan. The judge also pushed back the schedule he originally set on April 4th when he said it would be in January, asking the two sides to consult on a trial date in either February or March of 2024. Trump is anticipated to show up for the trial, according to Merchan.

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