A Phoenix judge will consider whether to dismiss charges against Republicans accused of falsely claiming Donald Trump won Arizona in 2020. The case involves allegations of forgery, fraud, and conspiracy.
Bollywood Fever: A judge in Phoenix will hear arguments on Monday regarding the potential dismissal of charges against a group of Republicans accused of falsely claiming that Donald Trump won Arizona in the 2020 presidential election.
The case centers on 18 Republicans charged with forgery, fraud, and conspiracy as part of an alleged scheme to overturn the election results.
At least a dozen of the defendants are seeking to have the charges dropped under an Arizona law that prevents the use of baseless legal actions to silence critics.
This law, traditionally used in civil cases, was expanded in 2022 by the Republican-led Legislature to offer protections in criminal cases as well.
The defendants argue that Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is using the charges to silence their constitutionally protected speech concerning the 2020 election and their actions following its outcome.
They point out that Mayes had campaigned on investigating the fake elector case and claim she has demonstrated bias against Trump and his supporters.
However, prosecutors counter that the defendants have no evidence to support their claims of retaliation.
They assert that the defendants crossed the line from protected speech to engaging in fraud. Mayes’ office has also revealed that while the grand jury considered charging Trump, prosecutors advised against it, citing a U.S. Justice Department policy that limits prosecuting someone for the same crime twice.
The charges stem from a December 14, 2020, meeting in Phoenix, where 11 individuals nominated to be Arizona’s Republican electors signed a certificate falsely claiming that Trump had won the state.
Despite President Joe Biden winning Arizona by 10,457 votes, the document was sent to Congress and the National Archives, where it was ignored.
So far, two defendants have resolved their cases. Jenna Ellis, a former Trump campaign attorney, signed a cooperation agreement leading to the dismissal of her charges, and Republican activist Loraine Pellegrino pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to probation.
The remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty, and former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is attempting to move his charges to federal court, where he plans to seek dismissal.
While Trump was not charged in Arizona, the indictment refers to him as an unindicted co-conspirator.
The case is part of a broader legal effort, with similar charges filed in Michigan, Nevada, Georgia, and Wisconsin. Arizona authorities unveiled the felony charges in late April.
Also Read Other Articles, 5-Year-Old Utah Boy Fatally Shoots Himself After Finding Handgun at Home
Fox Anchor Matt Vereen Arrested on Child Pornography Charges, Released on $40,000 Bond
Colorado Cemetery Visit Turns Tragic as Friend Fatally Shoots Another