Just the News: Trump's Georgia case could be toughest challenge yet for former president

A thorough legal analysis published by John Solomon’s Just the News suggests that former President Donald Trump’s recent charges in Georgia could be his toughest challenge yet.

JTN ace reporter Madeline Hubbard led the publication’s coverage of Trump turning himself in to face charges filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis by reminding readers of the former president’s nickname, “Teflon Don.”

While the former president is now the target of at least nine civil and criminal legal controversies as he prepares to take the White House back in 2024, Willis’s charges may force Trump to face new challenges.

According to Just the News, the former president faces three significant difference with the Georgia case that differ from the New York state business fraud case, the federal 2020 election case and the federal classified documents case.

First, the Georgia case may be televised, creating a national audience. Second, if convicted, Trump could not get a pardon for at least five years. Third, Trump will be tried with 17 co-defendants, creating many unpredictable consequences.

Cameras: While cameras are prohibited in U.S. courthouses and the New York Unified Court System, Georgia has less restrictions as long as one of the parties can present a “compelling reason” to ban such devices, according to reporting from Axios.

Under Georgia state law, journalists can record if they file a timely written request on a court provided form. The judge in charge of the proceeding has discretion to grant or reject the request, and can grant just one camera for a “pool” of reporters or allow multiple cameras. He or she can also reject the request completely if they find “there is a substantial likelihood of harm arising from one or more of the following factors, that the harm outweighs the benefit of recording to the public.”

Whatever the case, reporters are banned from photographing jurors to protect their privacy and safety.

Pardon: If convicted, Trump could not get a pardon for at least five years. If he or another sympathetic Republican is elected, they can dismiss any charges filed by the Justice Department or a U.S. Attorney. Still, only a governor can dismiss state charges. Since the Georgia case involves Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges, they carry a minimum five-year prison sentence, and maximum sentence of 20 years.

To apply for a pardon in Georgia, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles' five-member panel on a very says that applicants “must have completed all sentence(s) at least five (5) years prior to applying.”

17 Co-Defendants:

While the U.S. election case charged six unnamed co-conspirators and the classified documents case indicted two named co-conspirators, there are many more co-defendants in the Georgia case. On Thursday, State Court Judge Scott McAfee approved a co-defendant's “speedy trial” request with Willis' agreement, planning trial commencing by Nov. 3. 

Trump's lawyers filed a motion asking that his trial be handled separately from that of his co-defendants. Judge McAfee has not yet ruled on the motion. 

Co-defendants can cause chaos in a trial since their testimony can directly affect another accused defendant facing charges.