Trump pleads not guilty in Georgia case

In a document filed today in Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia, Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges contained in an indictment returned by a grand jury. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis initiated an investigation into the actions by Trump and others regarding the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election in Georgia. An investigative grand jury found sufficient evidence that Trump and others conspired to try to overturn the results of the election in Georgia. A second grand jury heard the evidence and indicted Trump and 18 alleged co-conspirators.

The document filed in court by Trump’s legal team said, in part: “I have discussed the charges in the Indictment and this Waiver of Appearance at Arraignment with my attorney Steven H, Sadow, and I fully understand the nature of the offenses charged and my right to appear at arraignment. Understanding my rights, I do hereby freely and voluntarily waive my right to be present at my arraignment on the Indictment and my right to have it read to me in open court.” The document carried Trump’s plea of “not guilty” and signature and was dated Aug. 31.

Several others named in the indictment also have waived arraignment and entered “not guilty” pleas. The defendants were given a deadline of Sept. 6 to either make a filing or appear in person for arraignment.

Willis has said she would be prepared to conduct speedy trials for all of the defendants. One alleged co-conspirator, Kenneth Chesebro, asked for a speedy trial and Oct. 23 was set as the start date for his trial.