The 41-count indictment handed up in Fulton County last week against Donald Trump and 18 of his allies is the beginning of what is certain to be a long and complicated legal process.
Here’s what to expect next:
SURRENDERS: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis set a deadline of Friday, Aug. 25 at noon for the 19 defendants to turn themselves in for processing. By Sunday evening, it did not appear that any had done so, despite Sheriff Patrick Labat noting that the Fulton County Jail was open 24/7. That means it’s likely to be a busy week at the Atlanta jail. Additionally, lawyers for those charged will be meeting with Willis and her staff this week to negotiate bond and other terms of surrender.
FEDERAL COURT Trump’s attorneys are expected to file a motion seeking to get the case against him moved to federal court. Lawyers for his former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows have already filed such a motion, and an Aug. 28 hearing has been set in front of U.S. District Court Judge Steven Jones.
REPUBLICAN DEBATE: Trump isn’t participating in Wednesday’s Republican debate, the first of the presidential primary season. But for the GOP candidates who have qualified to appear on the stage in Milwaukee, the former president’s legal woes are likely to loom large. It’s possible Trump could surrender in Atlanta either just before or after the debate.
Credit: John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com
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