Donald Trump expected to surrender in latest indictment as early as next week

17 August 2023 , 18:31

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The Fulton County Sheriff said that all 19 defendants in the case, including Mr. Trump himself, are expected to report to the Fulton County jail at the time of surrender (Image: zz/Dennis Van Tine/STAR MAX/IPx)

Former USpresident Donald Trump could be expected to turn himself over to authorities next week, which is much earlier than the August 25 deadline initially given.

The Fulton County Sheriff said that all 19 defendants in the case, including Mr Trump himself, are expected to report to the Fulton County jail at the time of surrender, which is a common procedure. While Pat Labat, Fulton County Sheriff, didn't exactly suggest that Mr Trump will be subjected to a "perp walk," he made it clear that he wants all of the defendants in the case to be treated as any other individuals on trial.

Unfortunately for Mr Trump and his allies, this means they will undergo the fingerprint and mugshot process respectively. The Fulton County authorities are expected to sort out the specific details of Trump's surrender with his lawyers and Secret Service detail, according to CNN.

The case in Georgia outlines Mr Trump's, and his circle of lawyers and White House staff's, scheme to overturn the 2020 election, which ultimately failed. The indictment cites several actions the former president took to reverse his election loss, including calling the Georgia State Secretary telling him to "find" 12,000 votes, pressuring lawmakers in the state to ignore the votes and cast a new slate of electors and intimidating poll workers on baseless claims of election fraud among others.

Unfortunately for Mr. Trump and his allies, this means they will undergo the fingerprint and mugshot process respectively (AFP via Getty Images)

In his three previous criminal cases—illegally harbouring sensitive documents from the White House, inciting a riot at the Capitol Building on January 6 and paying off a porn star while on the campaign trail in 2016—the former president has received special treatment because of his presidential candidacy.

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Mr Trump, seemingly aware of his privileges, has experienced very few repercussions for his verbal attacks against Fani Willis, Fulton County district attorney, and Jack Smith, the prosecutor. Mr Trump has accused Ms Willis, who is a Black woman, of racism and unprofessionalism. He had also referred to Mr Smith as "deranged" on social media.

The case in Georgia outlines Mr. Trump's, and his circle of lawyers and White House staff's, scheme to overturn the 2020 election, which ultimately failed (AP)

In September 2022, shortly after the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched his Palm Beach Estate, Mar-a-lago, for classified documents, Trump convinced Judge Aileen Cannon to appoint a "special master" whose job was to review the documents found at Mar-a-Lago. Mr Trump had appointed Ms. Cannon to the court during his presidency. Furthermore, she restricted the Justice Department from reviewing the documents for its criminal inquiry until the "special master" completed their work.

The judge in the Georgia case, Tanya Chutkan, warned Mr Trump about using derogatory language against those involved in the case stating:

"Mr Trump, like every American, has a First Amendment right to free speech, but that right is not absolute. In a criminal case such as this one, the defendant's free speech is subject to the rules."

Mataeo Smith