A judge in Arizona will preside over a hearing that will determine the potential prison sentences for several allies of former President Donald Trump if convicted of participating in a criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Among those facing charges are fake electors from Arizona, as well as key figures like Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Christina Bobb. The defendants’ lawyers argue that the prosecutors are seeking overly harsh punishments to coerce cooperation.
The Arizona attorney general has charged the Trump allies with multiple felonies committed on the same occasion, which could lead to prison sentences under state law rather than lesser penalties for first-time offenders. Judge Bruce Cohen will hear arguments from both sides at the upcoming hearing, with his decision defining the stakes of the case moving forward. Prosecutors will defend their evidence connecting the defendants to the alleged conspiracy during grand jury proceedings.
The hearing is significant as it follows a recent rally by Trump in Arizona, highlighting the legal consequences faced by individuals who attempted to assist the former president in overturning the election results. While Trump himself has not been charged in the Arizona case, the grand jury had expressed interest in charging him, prompting the lead prosecutor to request against it. Trump faces charges at the federal level for election interference and in Georgia as well.
Prosecutors in Arizona, while not charging Trump in this case, remain open to further indictments should new evidence emerge. The investigation is ongoing, with trials potentially beginning in 2025 for the 18 individuals charged. Recent developments include Jenna Ellis cooperating with prosecutors, leading to dropped charges. Another fake elector, Loraine Pellegrino, has reached a plea deal, admitting guilt to some charges. Others charged, including prominent state Republicans and former White House aide Boris Epshteyn, have pleaded not guilty.
Attorneys for Mark Meadows argue that the Arizona indictment is related to his official conduct as Trump’s chief of staff, requesting a move to federal court. They claim the allegations against Meadows are not criminal and fall under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. A hearing is scheduled in federal court for further deliberation. Meadows previously faced similar charges in Georgia and employed a similar legal strategy. The case highlights the legal consequences faced by individuals involved in attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
