Judge Juan Melchan on Tuesday warned lawyers in former President Trump’s hush money case to abide by the court’s ruling.
“The court advises attorneys to expect and welcome vigorous advocacy and creative legal practice,” Marchand wrote.
“However, the court also expects these advocates to demonstrate the appropriate respect and courtesy they owe to the court and its judicial staff, and to never forget that they are employees of the court.” , lawyers are expected to comply with the orders of this court,” he continued, noting the power to impose criminal contempt charges.
A stern warning was given at the end of the judge’s sentence. 4 page judgment It rejected President Trump’s request to lift the requirement that parties obtain permission before filing new motions before trial.
Marchand implemented the requirement on March 8, describing it as a move to more efficiently manage litigation as President Trump launches various last-minute attempts to delay trials.
On Tuesday, the judge accused Trump’s lawyers of trying to “circumvent” the new requirements by submitting one of the allegations as evidence in a letter seeking permission before Marchand signed it.
“We emphasize that this court expects and fully expects a vigorous defense from counsel and vigorous contributions from witnesses and parties,” Marchand wrote. “Nevertheless, courts do not expect to cross the line between zealous advocacy and willful disregard of orders.”
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Marchand’s verdict comes a day after Trump refused to further delay his trial, with jury selection set to begin on April 15. It is expected to be the first criminal trial for a former president.
Trump is offering restitution to then-fixer Michael Cohen, who paid adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump just before the 2016 presidential election. He has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records.
President Trump has acknowledged paying reparations, but denies having an affair and maintains his innocence.
The ruling is one of two issued by Marchand on Tuesday. He also rejected a motion by President Trump to publish communications between the judge and the parties that have not yet been made public.
“To be clear, all motions, decisions, orders, and petitions that would normally be kept in the court’s public file are in the public file.” written by machan.
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