Staff Reports
Former President Donald Trump's attorney, Alina Habba, declared in a recent Fox News Sunday interview that she intends to petition for a mistrial in the New York fraud case involving Mr. Trump. Consistently, both Mr. Trump and Ms. Habba have maintained that the case is politically driven and that the parties involved are driven by a partial agenda.
Mistrial motion for Trump's New York fraud case will come 'very soon,' lawyer Alina Habba says https://t.co/IEM0wrTDih
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) November 13, 2023
Ms. Habba acknowledged that she is also subject to a partial gag order and declared, "I can assure you that legal documents will be submitted to address each of those concerns." When asked explicitly whether she intended to petition for a mistrial, she assuredly responded, "imminently."
Ms. Habba has identified the fact that the case is being presided over by a single judge who is tasked with rendering all decisions as one of her primary concerns. She elaborated, "The issue with everything, including the filing of a petition for recusal, which we have done twice, is that the judge must make the determination of whether or not he will recuse himself. Does he hold the opinion that a mistrial occurred? The case is being presided over by Judge Arthur Engoron, to whom Ms. Habba made reference.
Additionally emphasizing the matter, Ms. Habba declared, "This is a bench trial. There is a single adjudicator present. Furthermore, the judge who issued the silence order is the one who must render decisions. Therefore, based on what we have learned thus far, I have no reason to believe he shouldn't at this time, if the rumor is true."
In the lawsuit initiated by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James, Mr. Trump, the Trump organization, and his two adult sons are alleged to have deceived banks, insurers, and others through the fabrication of their net worth in order to secure larger loans and more favorable insurance premiums. The fraud has been pronounced upon by Judge Engoron, and the trial to determine the damages is ongoing. In addition to seeking damages in excess of $300 million, Ms. James seeks to impede the Trumps' business activities in New York.
On Monday, as the trial progresses, Mr. Trump's attorneys will initiate the call of witnesses, beginning with his son, Donald Trump Jr. The case has attracted considerable scrutiny, as evidenced by the former president's repeated fines for contravening a prohibition order imposed by Judge Engoron.
Amid these legal disputes, Ms. Habba maintains her resolute commitment to advocate for her client and pursue an equitable resolution. If the mistrial petition is ultimately granted, it may have substantial ramifications for the course of the case and possibly provide some solace to Mr. Trump.
