PHOENIX – The three-day hearing on whether to dismiss charges against Republicans who were accused of plotting to overturn the results of the close 2020 presidential race in Arizona has concluded. Prosecutors are arguing that the case is not politically motivated, despite the defendants claiming that their actions were protected under free speech.
What’s the case about?
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen is currently considering requests from at least a dozen of the 18 people indicted in April to dismiss charges of fraud, conspiracy, and forgery. The case involves individuals, including former Trump aides, submitting a false document claiming that Donald Trump won the election in Arizona. Rudy Giuliani is among those named in the indictment.
The indictment alleges that Giuliani pressured officials to change the election results and spread false claims of election fraud in Arizona. Prosecutors argue that the case is not politically motivated and is about enforcing the law against alleged fraudulent activities.
Defense attorneys, on the other hand, are arguing that the charges are an attempt to stifle constitutionally protected speech regarding the 2020 election. They are invoking an anti-SLAPP statute to dismiss the case.
When will the judge decide on the motions to dismiss?
The judge is expected to rule separately on each motion, potentially at different times, but no specific timeline has been provided for when the decisions will be made.
Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis has reached a cooperation agreement with prosecutors, resulting in the dismissal of her charges. Loreine Pellegrino has become the first person convicted in the case, pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge. The trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled to commence on January 5, 2026.
Former Trump presidential chief of staff Mark Meadows is attempting to move his charges to federal court, where his lawyers will seek a dismissal.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing legal battle.
Associated Press writer Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix contributed to this report.
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