Formerly good lawyers Rudy Giuliani and Michael Avenatti are discussed in this episode. They delve into Giuliani's drinking problem and its implications for Trump's defense. The hosts also touch on the trial date in a January 6-related case and the complications in Fulton County District Attorney's prosecution against Trump and co-conspirators.
Rudy Giuliani's excessive drinking could undermine the claim that Trump relied on his advice in good faith.
Judge Beryl Howell entered a default judgment against Rudy Giuliani in a defamation case.
Deep dives
Rudy Giuliani's Drinking and Its Implications for Trump's Defense
The podcast discusses how Rudy Giuliani's excessive drinking is being investigated by a special counsel to determine if it hinders his ability to provide an effective defense for former President Donald Trump. Testimonies and inquiries have been made about Rudy Giuliani's level of intoxication, including comments made by Trump himself. If it can be established that Giuliani was frequently drunk and Trump was aware of it, it could undermine the claim that Trump relied in good faith on his lawyer's advice. This investigation into Giuliani's drinking habits may also be relevant in discrediting certain narratives pushed by Trump during the post-election period. The judge's order to compel financial information about Giuliani's podcast suggests the potential reach and influence of his statements, impacting the assessment of damages in the defamation case against him.
Judge Slaps Default Judgment on Rudy Giuliani in Defamation Case
Judge Beryl Howell has entered a default judgment against Rudy Giuliani in a defamation case brought by election workers in Georgia. Giuliani failed to comply with his discovery obligations, defied court orders, and deliberately failed to preserve electronic evidence. The default judgment establishes Giuliani's liability for the allegations made against him, with the remaining question being the amount of damages to be awarded. The judge's scathing opinion highlights Giuliani's consistent non-compliance and avoidance tactics, imposing financial sanctions and instructing the jury to draw an unfavorable inference against Giuliani for attempting to hide details of his net worth and assets. This default judgment is deemed as a severe penalty for lack of cooperation, negatively affecting Giuliani's position as a civil defendant in the case.
Legal Developments in Georgia Prosecutions
In the multiple ongoing criminal cases related to the 2020 election in Georgia, new updates have emerged. Mark Meadows, former White House Chief of Staff, testified during a hearing seeking removal of his case from state to federal court. Meadows was questioned about his involvement and the potential application of the removal statute. Sidney Powell, another defendant, filed a motion to sever her case from the 18 other defendants, arguing that trying all of them together would deny her a fair trial. The judge is considering the severance request and has requested clarification on the potential outcome if only one overt act is determined to be under the color of office. This legal territory is relatively uncharted, and it remains to be seen how the judge will rule on these matters that unfold in the Georgia prosecutions.
Trial Date Set in Washington, DC Case
There has been a hearing before Judge Tanya Chutkan in the Washington, DC federal case regarding the events leading up to January 6. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a trial date, resulting in the decision to set a trial for March of the following year. Speculation arises on whether this trial date will remain as it is and what would happen if Donald Trump decides not to appear for his own criminal trial. The podcast invites listeners to upgrade to access the full episode for further details on the Washington, DC case and its potential implications.
Rudy Giuliani and Michael Avenatti both used to be good lawyers — or, they at least used to seem to be good lawyers — but those days are long past. This week, Ken and Josh discuss Giuliani and Avenatti — a two-fer — and how Giuliani’s drinking actually poses multiple problems for Donald Trump’s likely legal defenses in Jack Smith’s January 6-related case. We also talk about the trial date that’s been set in that case — March 4 — and the mess that could ensue if Trump tries to skip his own trial, which could result in Chutkan deciding whether it’s worth the drama of having him arrested for violating his bail terms. And we talk about the expanding complications in the prosecution Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has brought against Trump and 18 alleged co-conspirators, all of whom she hopes to try in one single trial. Some of the defendants want to delay the trial, while others want to go to trial quickly.
Free subscribers get our conversations about Georgia and Giuliani. Paid subscribers also get the conversation about the DC case and the March 4 trial date, and Michael Avenatti. Visit serioustrouble.show to become a paying subscriber.
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