In the labyrinthine legal drama surrounding former President Donald Trump’s trial over hush money paid to a porn star, his defense maneuvers are both tactical and cautious. In a recent filing, Trump’s current legal team revealed that they won’t overtly implicate his former lawyers for the alleged misdeeds. Instead, they’ll tactfully sidestep into the territory of intent.
Despite the temptation to lean on the “advice-of-counsel” defense, Trump’s legal advisors are steering clear of this conventional route. However, they plan to deftly weave a narrative suggesting that the involvement of his past legal counsel demonstrates a lack of criminal intent on his part.
At the core of the trial lies accusations of falsifying business records to conceal reimbursements made to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, for a hefty sum of $130,000, purportedly to silence adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing, particularly refuting the alleged liaison with Daniels. The case, spearheaded by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, stands as a significant legal showdown in the nation’s history.
In the latest legal volley, Trump’s defense team intends to interrogate Cohen, a pivotal witness for the prosecution, regarding Trump’s awareness of his attorneys’ role in the saga. Yet, they’re cautious not to invoke the formal advice-of-counsel defense, recognizing the onerous burden it entails. Such a defense would necessitate proving full disclosure to his lawyers and relying on their guidance in good faith, thereby jeopardizing attorney-client privilege.
This trial marks the initial skirmish in a series of legal battles confronting Trump, as he positions himself for a return to the political stage, eyeing the upcoming election. Notably, Trump faces additional legal entanglements related to his efforts to contest the 2020 election outcome and his handling of classified government materials post-presidency.
As the legal saga unfolds, Trump’s defense strategy mirrors a strategic dance, aiming to navigate the intricate web of accusations without implicating his erstwhile legal advisors, all while maintaining his innocence in the face of mounting legal challenges.
