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Former US President Donald Trump sits at the defense table with his defense team in a Manhattan court during his arraignment on April 4, 2023, in New York City (Getty Images)
Former President Donald Trump has filed a court request to dismiss multiple criminal charges against him in the Georgia 2020 election interference case. These filings mark the beginning of Trump's legal efforts to contest the state-level charges.
Trump aims to adopt the legal arguments previously presented by his co-defendants in the racketeering case: Rudy Giuliani, Kenneth Chesebro, and Ray Smith. Giuliani filed his challenge last Friday, asserting that his indictment should be dismissed due to "deficiencies" that render it invalid. Chesebro, known for devising the "fake electors" scheme, submitted a similar challenge last month, arguing that the indictment does not adequately outline the charges or any violations of the law.
Ray Smith, an attorney for Trump's 2020 campaign in Georgia, filed an extensive motion challenging the indictment on Monday, contending that it contains numerous defects and that the state failed to meet the racketeering statute.
It's worth noting that such motions are common at the outset of a criminal case but are seldom successful.
In addition to seeking dismissal of the state charges, the former president has hinted in court filings that he may request the case be moved to federal court, where he could attempt to invoke protections available to federal officials.
Trump faces a total of 13 counts, including racketeering, conspiracy charges, and solicitation of a public official to violate their oath of office. These charges stem from the extensive indictment brought forth by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis last month. Trump and all 18 co-defendants, including Giuliani, Chesebro, and Smith, have entered pleas of not guilty in this case.
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