#Legal Implications of Plea Agreement

[sohanur24]

The reasons Joran van der Sloot is unlikely to face prosecution for Natalee Holloway's murder, even after confessing to the crime.

US Prosecutors’ Plea Agreement Prompts Joran van der Sloot’s Confession in Natalee Holloway Case In a pivotal development, US prosecutors extended a plea agreement to Joran van der Sloot on charges of extortion and wire fraud, leading to his confession in the 2005 Natalee Holloway case in Aruba. While the legal system may not hold him accountable for the tragic death of the Alabama teen, legal…

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

The Justice Department is ending its sex trafficking investigation into Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., without charging the congressman with any crimes, his attorneys and congressional office told NBC News.

“We have just spoken with the DOJ and have been informed that they have concluded their investigation into Congressman Gaetz and allegations related to sex trafficking and obstruction of justice and they have determined not to bring any charges against him,” Gaetz attorneys Marc Mukasey and Isabelle Kirshner said in a statement.

Gaetz’s office added, “The Department of Justice has confirmed to Congressman Gaetz’s attorneys that their investigation has concluded and that he will not be charged with any crimes.”

Prosecutors had spent months investigating Gaetz's personal conduct and, specifically, allegations that he was part of a scheme that led to the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. At the core of their investigation was testimony from a former Gaetz associate, Joel Greenberg who worked as a Florida tax collector.

A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment. CNN was first to report the news.

In 2021, Greenberg pleaded guilty to six charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, identity theft, stalking, wire fraud and conspiracy to bribe a public official, and agreed to cooperate with federal investigators as part of his plea agreement. He was sentenced in Dec. 2022 to 11 years in prison.

NBC News had reported in October that the investigation into Gaetz had stalled. That was according to attorneys who have represented witnesses, people who have been subpoenaed or have spoken to investigators. The attorneys briefed on aspects of the case said the probe had stalled over concerns about the credibility of two key witnesses or a lack of direct evidence implicating Gaetz, who has denied all wrongdoing.

Gaetz had long denied the allegations against him, including that he had sex with a minor, that he transported the alleged victim across state lines to engage in prostitution or that he obstructed justice in an effort to cover up his actions.

The DOJ's decision lifts an enormous legal cloud off of Gaetz who has been dogged by the allegations for more than a year. The outspoken Florida congressman, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has become a thorn in the side of the new GOP majority.

Gaetz was part of a faction of Republican holdouts to support Kevin McCarthy in his bid for Speaker. He finally relented and voted “present” on the 15th ballot to allow McCarthy the threshold he needed to secure the position. McCarthy recently quietly appointed Gaetz to the new GOP subcommittee on the "weaponization of the federal government."

[stephenlekasattorneyatlaw1]

What Are The Common Factors Of Divorce Lawyer & Criminal Lawyer? 

Divorce lawyers and Criminal Lawyers Houston Tx, though operating in distinct legal domains, share several commonalities in their roles, responsibilities, and skill sets. Here, we delve into these common factors, which underscore the fundamental principles guiding both professions.

Legal Expertise:

Both Houston divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers are legal professionals who have undergone rigorous education and training in the field of law. They possess in-depth knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural rules governing their respective practice areas. Whether navigating the intricacies of family law in divorce proceedings or interpreting criminal statutes and precedent in criminal cases, these lawyers rely on their expertise to advocate effectively for their clients.

Client Advocacy:

At the heart of both professions lies the core principle of client advocacy. Divorce lawyers and Criminal Lawyers Houston Tx serve as staunch advocates for their clients' interests, working tirelessly to protect their rights and achieve favorable outcomes. Whether negotiating settlements, litigating in court, or providing legal counsel, these lawyers prioritize the needs and objectives of their clients, guiding them through the complexities of the legal system with skill and dedication.

Communication Skills:

Effective communication is a cornerstone of legal practice, and it is particularly essential for divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers. These professionals must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to articulate their clients' positions, negotiate with opposing parties or prosecutors, and present persuasive arguments in court. Clear and compelling communication is vital for ensuring that clients' voices are heard and their interests are effectively represented throughout the legal process.

Problem-Solving Abilities:

Divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers frequently encounter complex legal issues and contentious disputes in their practice. As such, they must demonstrate robust problem-solving abilities to analyze the facts of a case, identify legal strategies, and devise solutions that best serve their clients' interests. Whether resolving disputes over child custody and property division in divorce cases or crafting defense strategies to challenge criminal charges.

Empathy and Compassion:

Both Houston Divorce Lawyer and criminal proceedings can be emotionally charged experiences for clients, often involving significant personal and familial implications. Divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers must demonstrate empathy and compassion as they guide their clients through these challenging times, providing support, reassurance, and legal counsel with sensitivity and understanding.

Courtroom Experience:

While not all cases go to trial, both divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers Houston Txmust be prepared to represent their clients effectively in court if necessary. They must possess the confidence and courtroom experience to advocate zealously on behalf of their clients, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and arguing legal points persuasively before judges or juries. Whether in the family court or criminal court setting, these lawyers leverage their litigation skills to protect their clients' rights and interests effectively.

Negotiation Skills:

In many cases, divorce lawyers and criminal lawyers engage in negotiations with opposing parties to reach settlements, plea agreements, or other resolutions outside of court. As such, they must be skilled negotiators who can advocate for their clients' interests while also seeking to resolve disputes efficiently and amicably. 

[kirlewlawfirm]

The Impact of Drug Charges on Your Future

Facing drug charges can have far-reaching effects on your future. The ramifications extend beyond legal penalties, impacting your employment, education, and personal relationships. The impact feels even more unjust for those who've been wrongfully accused. You must take swift and strategic action to mitigate the effects of these charges.

Legal Implications

Conviction for a drug-related offense can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. This record can hinder your ability to secure employment, apply for loans, or rent housing. The stigma associated with a drug conviction is hard to erase and can tarnish your reputation indefinitely while making earning a living more difficult.

Professional Setbacks

Employers often conduct background checks, and a drug conviction can be a red flag. It can lead to lost job opportunities or termination from your current position. Certain professions, particularly those requiring licensure, may be utterly off-limits post-conviction. You can’t just take a plea deal of convenience on a drug case without there being lifelong consequences.

Difficulty in Securing Professional Licenses

Beyond initial employment challenges, a drug conviction can hinder or outright prevent the acquisition of professional licenses required in fields like healthcare, law, and education. A drug conviction can change the path of someone’s career forever.

Educational Hurdles

Drug charges can jeopardize educational opportunities. Some institutions revoke scholarships or deny admission to individuals with criminal records. Furthermore, a conviction can disqualify you from receiving federal financial aid, shutting your doors to higher education.

The Social Cost

Beyond legal and professional repercussions, drug charges can erode personal relationships and social standing. It can lead to isolation and mental health struggles. The psychological toll of these charges cannot be underestimated.

Impact on Child Custody Agreements

Drug charges can profoundly affect child custody and visitation rights. Courts may view a parent with a drug conviction as unfit. This potentially restricts visitation rights or loss of custody. The impact on familial relationships can be devastating and long-lasting.

Increased Insurance Rates

Individuals with drug convictions may face higher rates for insurance, including health, car, and life insurance. Companies view those with criminal records as higher risks, which can lead to increased premiums and added financial strain.

Travel Restrictions

A drug conviction can limit your ability to travel internationally. Many countries have strict entry requirements and may deny admission to individuals with criminal records. This is especially true with those related to drug offenses. The limitation can affect both personal and professional opportunities abroad.

The Importance of the Right Advocate

When faced with drug charges, especially if wrongfully accused, the importance of legal representation can be crucial. A like Brian Kirlew, Esq. is critical in defending against these accusations and avoiding the pitfalls that can come with a conviction.

Brian Kirlew, Esq. has over 15 years of experience in successfully defending thousands of clients accused of drug crimes and narcotics trafficking in both federal and state court.

Experience is critical in investigating evidence and rebutting the government's accusations. As the old football saying goes, "Defense wins Championships."

Choosing the Right Legal Partner

Selecting a competent Miami criminal defense attorney is crucial in confronting drug charges. Their early involvement and aggressive representation can significantly alter your case's outcome. Professionals tailor defense strategies to your specific situation, effectively navigating legal complexities. They also help prevent charges from escalating. Alternatively, choosing the right attorney for your case could secure more favorable terms for you and your future. Contact Brian Kirlew, Esq. at the Kirlew Law Firm, PLLC at 305-521-0484.

Final Thoughts

While drug charges can severely impact your future, they don't have to define who you are. With professional legal support, you can address the charges head-on and work towards a resolution that preserves your prospects.

[fishmanfirm1]

DUI Attorney : Navigating Legal Challenges with The Fishman Firm

DUI seems like a reasonably straightforward offense:  Were you driving? If so, were you under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time? However, it is not nearly that simple. There are so many intricacies in what, at first blush, appears to be an easily understood offense. You must have an experienced Philadelphia DUI lawyer review your case and the allegations against you before deciding how to proceed. Philadelphia DUI attorney Brian M. Fishman has both prosecuted and defended hundreds of DUI-DWI cases.

Facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI) is a daunting experience, with legal consequences that can significantly impact your life. Having a seasoned and dedicated DUI attorney can make all the difference in such challenging times. The Fishman Firm, led by experienced attorney Brian Fishman, stands out as a beacon of expertise and reliability among DUI attorneys. This article delves into the key elements of The Fishman Firm's approach, emphasising its commitment to protecting clients' rights and navigating the intricate terrain of DUI cases.

Expertise and Experience: The Fishcman Firm boasts a team of highly skilled DUI attorneys with a wealth of experience handling a spectrum of DUI cases. Attorney Brian Fishman, the firm's founder, is a respected legal professional known for his in-depth knowledge of DUI laws and his track record of successfully defending clients. The firm's expertise extends to various aspects of DUI attorney, including challenging evidence, scrutinizing arrest procedures, and navigating the complexities of the legal system.

Tailored Legal Strategies: Recognising that no two DUI cases are identical, The Fishman Firm adopts a personalized and strategic approach to each case. They begin by thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the arrest, evaluating the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, and the reliability of breathalyzer or blood test results. This meticulous examination forms the foundation for crafting legal strategies that are uniquely tailored to the nuances of each client's situation.

Navigating Legal Complexities: DUI cases often involve intricate legal processes, from challenging the legality of the traffic stop to disputing the accuracy of chemical test results. The attorneys at The Fishman Firm are adept at navigating these complexities, leveraging their knowledge of DUI laws to build robust defense cases. Whether negotiating with prosecutors or representing clients in court, they are dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Client-Centric Approach: The Fishman Firm strongly emphasizes a client-centric approach, understanding the importance of clear communication and transparency. From the initial consultation to the case resolution, clients can expect to be actively involved in their defense strategy. The firm ensures that clients are well informed about the legal processes and potential outcomes and are empowered to make informed decisions about their cases.

Mitigation and Rehabilitation: Beyond legal advocacy, The Fishman Firm recognises the broader implications of DUI charges. They actively explore options for mitigation and rehabilitation, aiming to address the root causes of the incident and minimize the impact on their clients' lives. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to navigating the legal aspects of DUI defense and supporting clients in their efforts toward positive change.

Success Stories: The Fishman Firm's success in DUI defence is reflected in numerous favourable outcomes for their clients. The firm's track record showcases its effectiveness in achieving the best possible results, from case dismissals and reduced charges to favorable plea agreements. Clients often commend the firm's unwavering dedication to protecting their rights and guiding them through the legal complexities of DUI charges.

You must have an experienced DUI attorney who knows the intricacies and nuances of the law, as they will ask the right questions and take advantage of every angle to defend against the charges. Brian M. Fishman handled countless DUI cases as a prosecutor in Philadelphia and has represented hundreds of individuals charged with DUI as a defence attorney. If you have been arrested for DUI or DUI-related offenses in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, immediately contact Brian M. Fishman of The Fishman Firm for a free consultation. For more information, visit us at https://www.thefishmanfirm.com/philadelphia-dui-attorney/

[orollyitsracetrackhiggins]

5 Attributes To Try To Find In The Most Ideal Criminal Defense Attorney Phoenix AZ

Picking the correct criminal defense legal representative can be an important decision that significantly impacts the end result of a lawful claim. When encountering criminal fees, individuals need a proficient and professional proponent to defend their legal rights and also get through the intricacies of the lawful body.

Right Here Are Actually 5 Essential Features To Search For In A Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experience in Criminal Law

The primarily high quality to consider in a criminal defense attorney is actually expertise in criminal legislation. Criminal cases can easily be actually strongly elaborate, entailing several statutes, methods, as well as legal distinctions. Try to find an attorney that concentrates on criminal defense and also has a performance history of dealing with lawsuits similar to your own. A deep understanding of the criminal judicature unit, pertinent regulations, and courtroom procedures is critical for building a powerful defense method.

Adventure in Local Courts

Lawful proceedings and courtroom techniques can differ dramatically from one territory to another. The criminal defense attorney Phoenix with adventure in the local judges where your suit will certainly be come across may be a significant conveniences. They are going to know along with the courts, district attorneys, as well as local legal practices, enabling all of them to adapt their defense strategy correctly. This regional understanding can show indispensable in foreseing the district attorney's arguments as well as navigating the details operations of the jurisdiction.

Sturdy Negotiation Skills

While not all claims head to hearing, helpful agreement capabilities are important in criminal defense. A trained mediator can easily explore plea packages, decreased costs, or alternative sentencing alternatives that may be even more desirable to the accused. Seek an attorney who may express an engaging claim, haggle efficiently along with the district attorney, and pursue the best possible outcome for their client. Solid agreement capabilities can frequently lead to more positive settlements without the requirement for a lengthy and also unpredictable litigation.

Outstanding Interaction Expertise

Efficient interaction is a vital premium in any type of legal professional, and also it comes to be much more critical in criminal defense. A great legal representative ought to have the capacity to detail complex lawful ideas in a crystal clear and easy to understand fashion, guaranteeing that their clients entirely understand the implications of their condition. Furthermore, powerful communication abilities are actually important for creating a rapport with the court, providing a convincing defense in judge, and promoting persuasively on part of the accused.

Client-Centered Approach

The criminal defense attorney Phoenix AZ are certainly not simply experienced lawyers however likewise prioritize their customers' health. Seek a lawyer that displays a client-centered approach, presenting empathy, cooperation, as well as a legitimate dedication to their clients' best rate of interests. A helpful and also compassionate attorney can help ease the emotional strain of encountering criminal charges while offering the support required to create well informed choices throughout the lawful method.

Verdict

Picking the ideal criminal defense attorney is actually a crucial step in safeguarding a beneficial result in a criminal case. Through prioritizing qualities including knowledge in criminal regulation, regional judge knowledge, sturdy discussions skill-sets, excellent interaction, as well as a client-centered method, people may improve their chances of discovering the most ideal achievable lawful representation. It is actually essential to conduct extensive analysis, seek suggestions, as well as participate in appointments to make sure that the decided on lawyer possesses these crucial qualities and also is well-appointed to navigate the complications of the criminal compensation system on account of their clients.

[ailtrahq]

In a move that has left the cryptocurrency community buzzing, famous crypto influencer Mr. Huber took to Twitter to express his disbelief over the recent legal proceedings against Steven Nerayoff, a former Ethereum advisor. “This stinks to high heaven,” Huber tweeted, addressing the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) seemingly paradoxical stance in the case.Why I believe Nerayoff: You have to imagine how strange this is. He and Hladys are charged with extortion. Hladys pleads guilty and in his confession states that he agreed to Nerrayoff's idea of extortion. And what happens afterwards? The DOJ then goes on in the very same… pic.twitter.com/UjfzMriy9U— Mr. Huber🔥🦅🔥 (@Leerzeit) September 27, 2023 A Brief Background:On January 10, 2020, Nerayoff and Hlady were charged with Hobbs Act Extortion Conspiracy, among other allegations, for extorting money and Ethereum (ETH) from a Seattle-based cryptocurrency business called Company 1. These charges covered their dealings with the company, leading up to its ICO in November 2017, and a 10,000 ETH loan from Company 1 in March 2018.Michael Hlady pled guilty and openly confessed his agreement with Nerayoff to extort Company 1. This act usually would seal the fate of a co-defendant, especially when the plea involves admitting to conspiracy.But the DOJ made an extraordinary move. On February 13, 2023, the department filed a motion that aimed to dismiss the indictment against Nerayoff. Nerayoff Strikes Back:Steven Nerayoff didn’t sit quietly, either. He took to Twitter to present his view that the SEC and the government attempted to co-opt the cryptocurrency industry. He also mentioned he was one of the very few people who had a list of ETH contributors, subtly hinting at the leverage he holds.To fuel the fire, Nerayoff leaked email conversations dating back to July 21, 2014, which involved Ethereum co-founders Vitalik Buterin and Joseph Lubin. Tagging them as “#CryptoJudas” and “#CrookedElbowJoe” respectively, he appeared to assert that his contributions to Ethereum were being discredited.Unanswered Questions:Why would the DOJ reject its case despite having a co-defendant’s guilty plea?What are the broader implications of Nerayoff’s potential “contributor list”?Is there a more extensive conspiracy in the Ethereum and wider crypto community?Is Ethereum facing a karmic reckoning? Long perceived to have received a regulatory “free pass” compared to other cryptocurrencies like XRP—which faced intense scrutiny despite its arguably superior technology—Ethereum now grapples with its controversies, including scalability issues and governance dilemmas. Only time will tell if this is a small bump in the road or a sign that Ethereum’s luck is running out.!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', ' fbq('init', '887971145773722'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source

[justiceheartwatcher]

BULLETIN: AG Garland appoints Hunter special counsel, BUT it's David Weiss

In breaking news Friday, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced his appointment of a special counsel in the Hunter Biden case.  And who might that be?  Why, the most inappropriate choice possible:  David Weiss, the same federal prosecutor in (yes) Delaware who has been leading the so-called investigation into Hunter's tax and financial improprieties.

We've said that any special counsel tasked with investigating the Bidens should not be appointed by Biden's own AG but by a panel of judges.  Too late now.

Garland said that Weiss had come to him saying that the investigation had reached a stage at which he should continue his work as a special counsel, and that "he asked to be appointed."  Talk about deja vu --- wasn't there a story that Weiss earlier had asked to be made special counsel and was turned down?  For some reason, the timing is better now.  Better for whom?  I think we know.

Given what IRS whistleblowers have said about the investigation to this point, and the odd coordination between Weiss and Hunter's legal team on Hunter's outrageous "get out of jail free" plea deal, it would seem that both the selection of Weiss and the timing of his appointment are designed to keep the Biden investigation under wraps.  House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan of Ohio said through a spokesman, "David Weiss can't be trusted and this is just a new way to whitewash the Biden family's corruption.  Weiss has already signed off on a 'sweetheart' plea deal that was so awful and unfair that a federal judge rejected it.  We will continue to pursue facts brought to light by brave whistleblowers as well as Weiss's inconsistent statements to Congress."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ag-garland-appoints-hunter-biden-investigator-david-weiss-special-counsel

House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer of Kentucky released a statement as well:  "This move by AG Garland is part of the Justice Department's efforts to attempt a Biden family cover-up in light of [the Oversight Committee's] mounting evidence of President Biden's role in his family's schemes selling 'the brand' for millions of dollars to foreign nationals."

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith said, "I think that this should be concerning to all Americans --- this attempt to whitewash the Biden family corruption.  I mean, Mr. Weiss is the single architect over that sweetheart plea agreement/deal that the judge in Delaware threw out just a few weeks ago."  He fears this is just another attempt to stonewall Congress and block their oversight authority.

Weiss was supposed to be going before Congress himself in September or October; it had been cleared with the DOJ.  But that testimony almost certainly will be put on hold now --- perhaps even until all his work is completed!  One might imagine what Jim Jordan has to say about that, and it's probably not printable.

Legal analyst Andrew C. McCarthy said, "Under Weiss, the statute of limitations continues to run."  That would encompass behavior relating to Hunter's lucrative "work" on the Burisma board during 2014-2015.  "Every day Weiss doesn't go in to indict the case, the case is disappearing."

McCarthy also pointed out that what makes a special counsel "special" is that he or she is brought in from completely outside the government.  That's specifically the way the law is written.  "And that's because there's a conflict of interest that prevents the Biden Justice Department from investigating the President's son for conduct that implicates the President.

"So, this guy's just a vehicle for them to flush the case," McCarthy continued.  "...Under the special counsel regulations, he's NOT QUALIFIED.  He's not eligible to be a special counsel.  This whole thing is a sham."

In another announcement, the DOJ has dropped Hunter's plea deal case in Delaware --- thank you, Judge Maryellen Noreika, for not rubber-stamping it --- meaning it appears they're planning to go on to trial, probably in California because that's where Hunter was living during the years in question.  President Biden and his crew are headed out to Delaware this weekend for a little R&R and likely have deferred all questions to Hunter's legal team.

[checkthreetimes]

Gunna's Career—What's Next After the YSL Case?

Gunna, one of the most popular and influential rappers of the past few years, has been facing a lot of backlash and criticism after his Alford plea agreement in the YSL case became public. The Atlanta rapper, who is best known for his collaborations with Young Thug, Lil Baby, and coining the term pushing P, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of conspiracy to commit racketeering and received a five-year sentence, with four years suspended and one year commuted to time served. Instead of serving the five-year sentence, he only has to do 500 hours of community service and comply with some special conditions.

As part of his plea deal, he also made a statement in court that acknowledged his personal knowledge of YSL members committing crimes in furtherance of a gang and agreed that "YSL must end".

Many fans and fellow rappers have accused Gunna of being a snitch and betraying his friends and labelmates by cooperating with the authorities and implicating them in the ongoing YSL case, which involves 28 defendants facing various charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, firearms possession, and murder. Some of Gunna's peers, such as Lil Durk and Lil Baby, have reportedly unfollowed him on social media and distanced themselves from him. Others have defended Gunna and argued that his statement was not a confession or a testimony, but rather a legal strategy to avoid a harsher sentence and that he is not obligated to risk his freedom or career for anyone else.

The fallout from this scandal could have serious implications for Gunna’s career as a rapper. Can he overcome this challenge and restore his reputation and influence in the rap scene? Or will he face rejection and isolation from his colleagues and supporters for supposedly violating the principles of trust and fidelity? Here are some potential outcomes:

He says sorry and tells his side of the story One option that Gunna could pursue to mend his image and bond with his admirers and partners is by making a public statement of apology and explanation for his plea deal. He could convey his sorrow and guilt for his role in the YSL case and state that he did not mean to hurt or expose anyone else. He could also stress his affection and appreciation for Young Thug and YSL and request their pardon and empathy. This could possibly calm some of his detractors and fans who feel let down or deceived by him and demonstrate that he is ready to face the consequences and own up to his mistakes.

He ignores the backlash and continues to make music Another option that Gunna could pursue is to ignore the negative reactions and opinions about his plea deal and focus on his music career. He could release new songs or projects that showcase his talent and creativity and prove that he is still one of the best rappers in the game. He could also collaborate with other artists who are not affected by or involved in the YSL case or who are supportive of him regardless of his legal situation. This could help him maintain his fan base and relevance in the industry and demonstrate that he is not bothered or intimidated by the controversy. He becomes ostracized and isolated A more pessimistic outcome that Gunna could face is that other artists who are angry or suspicious of him because of his plea deal choose not to be involved with him at all. He could also face legal challenges or lawsuits from other defendants or their lawyers who claim that he violated their rights or damaged their cases by making statements against them in court. This could hurt his career prospects and income significantly and make it harder for him to recover from this ordeal.

At any rate, Gunna's career fate depends largely on how he handles this situation and how the public perceives him moving forward. He has already shown that he is a talented and successful rapper who has made a huge impact on the culture and the sound of hip-hop. Whether he can overcome this obstacle and restore his image and reputation remains to be seen.

[libertysolicitors]

Why Do You Need Criminal Lawyers Leeds?

Criminal lawyers Leeds must be retained by a person who is facing criminal charges to assist them. As they represent and defend their client in court, this attorney will be working on their behalf. In order to prevent innocent persons from being wrongly imprisoned or punished for crimes that they did not commit, criminal attorneys are essential. The outcome of the charges against you will ultimately be greatly influenced by the criminal attorney you select. Contact the family lawyer Bradford at Liberty Solicitors right away to arrange a free consultation so that you may go through your case in greater depth.

  Child abuse solicitors represents a client who has been charged with committing a crime. They give their clients legal rights advice and represent them in court. A criminal defense lawyer could represent their client in court or pursue a plea agreement on their behalf.

  What is a Criminal Lawyer?

An attorney who represents or prosecutes parties involved in criminal matters is known as a criminal lawyer. Criminal law especially regulates behavior that is deemed dangerous or damaging to the public. This might have to do with the protection of assets or the wellness of the soul. Governments define crimes and inflict punishment for them in order to restrain citizens' behavior and make sure they understand the repercussions.

  Reduce the difficulty of the law

You might be uncertain of the implications of the criminal law that surrounds the charge you are facing. The best family law solicitors Bradford will break it all down and explain it to you at this point.

 Your attorney will guide you through the criminal law issue so that you can better grasp it and the potential repercussions. In the end, this helps you avoid a good amount of anxiety and stress.

 Look For Weakness in the Case of the Opposition

Before the case even goes to trial, a skilled criminal attorney can spot holes and flaws in the prosecution's case. The attorney can discover evidence that is inadmissible during the trial preparation process, indicating that the prosecution cannot introduce that evidence. Prior to trial, an expert criminal attorney will get in touch with the prosecution to make sure that they won't present or introduce that evidence.

 Aid in gathering and analyzing evidence

Criminal lawyers Leeds are tasked with assisting in the collection of evidence that might result in the charges being dropped or reduced as well as with reviewing the evidence in a criminal case to ensure the best possible outcome. They will examine the data to determine whether it is reliable and whether it corroborates the accusations made against their client. A defense attorney will try to get the case dismissed as quickly as feasible if they believe the evidence is invalid or does not support the accusations.

  Leeds office

First Floor, 4 New York Street, Leeds, LS2 7DY

 Tel: 07 888 444 999

Solicitors in Leeds, Bradford, West Yorkshire - Liberty Solicitors        

https://www.liberty-solicitors.co.uk

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

Allen Weisselberg, the former chief financial officer of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a 15-year-long tax fraud scheme, and as part of the deal he has agreed to testify against former President Donald Trump's real estate company at trial.

In court Thursday, Weisselberg said, "Yes, your honor" when asked if he was pleading guilty of his own choice.

Weisselberg pleaded guilty to 15 felonies and admitted he failed to pay taxes on $1.7 million in income, including luxury perks, such as rent and utilities for a Manhattan apartment, leases for a pair of Mercedes-Benz cars and private school tuition for his grandchildren.

He admitted to concealing those benefits from his accountant to under-report his income and knowingly omitting the income from his personal tax returns.

Weisselberg answered a series of specific questions about the scheme from the judge in a hushed and barely audible tone, saying "Yes, your honor" repeatedly.

As part of the deal, he will pay nearly $2 million in back taxes, interest and penalties and waive any right to appeal.

Judge Juan Merchan said Weisselberg would be sentenced after the Trump Organization's trial. He said the agreement was for a five-month sentence to be followed by five years of probation. The judge warned Weisselberg if he does not meet all the conditions of the plea agreement, "I would be at liberty to impose any lawful sentence which in your case includes imprisonment from 5 to 15 years."

The plea puts him at odds with the Trump Organization, where he worked for 40 years, and his testimony could damage the company, if it goes to trial on related tax charges as scheduled in October.

Nicholas Gravante Jr., the lead attorney for Weisselberg, said in a statement that Weisselberg is happy to put this decision behind him.

"In one of the most difficult decisions of his life, Mr. Weisselberg decided to enter a plea of guilty today to put an end to this case and the years-long legal and personal nightmares it has caused for him and his family," Gravante said. "Rather than risk the possibility of 15 years in prison, he has agreed to serve 100 days. We are glad to have this behind him."

In a statement provided to CNN Thursday, a spokesperson for the Trump Organization said, "The two Trump companies that the Manhattan DA has been targeting, however, will not be taking a plea for the simple reason that they have done nothing wrong. As a result, we now look forward to having our day in court, which, quite interestingly, has been scheduled for October 24 -- just days before the midterm elections."

The statement went on to call Allen Weisselberg, "a fine and honorable man" who has been "harassed, persecuted and threatened by law enforcement, particularly the Manhattan District Attorney," all in an effort to get the former President.

Weisselberg has been fiercely loyal to the Trump family, having worked for them since 1973. Yet even by providing testimony against the company Weisselberg will not implicate any Trump family members, who were not accused of any wrongdoing. If the Trump Organization is convicted, it could be required to pay back taxes and fines, but no individual will go to prison.

"Today Allen Weisselberg admitted in Court that he used his position at the Trump Organization to bilk taxpayers and enrich himself," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. "This plea agreement directly implicates the Trump Organization in a wide range of criminal activity and requires Weisselberg to provide invaluable testimony in the upcoming trial against the corporation. Furthermore, thanks to the incredibly hard work and dedication of the team prosecuting this case, Weisselberg will spend time behind bars. We look forward to proving our case in court against the Trump Organization," Bragg said.

Weisselberg will likely serve at Rikers Island, New York City's notorious jail. With credit given for good behavior, one-third of the sentence could be knocked off, meaning Weisselberg could end up serving about 100 days behind bars. None of the charges facing Weisselberg have mandatory incarceration but the most serious of the charges has a maximum sentence of 15 years.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass said during the hearing that if Weisselberg fails to meet all of the obligations, they will recommend a sentence in state prison.

The Manhattan district attorney's office announced the tax charges last summer as it put pressure on Weisselberg to cooperate against Trump in the wide-ranging investigation into whether the Trump Organization and its top executives provided misleading financial statements to obtain loans, insurance and tax benefits. No charges have been brought in that investigation, which prosecutors say is continuing.

Weisselberg is not cooperating with New York prosecutors in that criminal investigation.

The guilty plea comes two months before Weisselberg was set to go to trial and one week after a New York state judge denied his motion to dismiss the indictment.

Representatives for the Trump Organization have denied any wrongdoing. Trump has called the investigations politically motivated. No other executive was indicted in the tax case and Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump were not accused of any wrongdoing.

The Trump Organization was charged with 10 counts and Weisselberg with 15 felony counts in connection with an alleged scheme stretching back to 2005 "to compensate Weisselberg and other Trump Organization executives in a manner that was 'off the books.'"

There are few people, including Weisselberg, who could explain how decisions were made in the Trump Organization, and his testimony will provide insights at trial.

Weisselberg acknowledged Thursday that the scheme was carried out with Jeffrey McConney, the longtime controller of the Trump Organization.

McConney, who reported to Weisselberg, received immunity for his testimony before the grand jury, people familiar with the matter previously told CNN. He was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment.

Weisselberg's guilty plea comes during a dramatic legal period for Trump, who last week at a deposition in the New York attorney general's civil investigation, asserted his Fifth Amendment right and declined to answer hundreds of questions about the Trump Organization's financial statements.

That came two days after the FBI executed a search warrant on Trump's private Mar-a-lago residence in Florida, as part of a criminal investigation into the handling of presidential records, including classified documents.

[800milesisadrive]

The NSFW Platform Shuffle

A rant from my anemic Twitter...

Writing NSFW content has been a game of switching between platforms. Building up an audience then waiting for the TOS to slowly creep in to block horny creators. The cycle is the same: I build up a follower/member count slowly. Right about the time I claw back to an audience of 2K... the TOS is updated to hide/block/limit porn.

Tumblr was the big one for me, but Discord isn't far behind. But Reddit, Imgur, Patreon have all been chipping away at allowed content for years. It's fucking exhausting - and I don't even do this for a living.

I mean, even OnlyFans isn't immune to this.

I know people don't turn to erotica writers for hot takes on the tech world, but even my slight perspective into the backend makes it painfully apparent:

Unless something changes, this is a trend that will only get worse.

For anyone actually curious - I think there is one specific pressure that will keep this cycle repeating:

the clusterfuck of legal overhead

Running a social platform at scale is expensive. I don't think people appreciate how hard it is to monetize porn. Most banks and processing services won't touch you.

Not for any moral reason, but because it opens them up to a labyrinth of compliance with various regions (countries, states, trade agreements). Add in the potential for a PR black eye and there's no rational reason for them to not play it as safe as possible

Outside of these systems, you're at the mercy of whatever providers and vendors that will be willing to get "dirty" to work with NSFW content. Most tech startups in other legally grey areas (ex. cannabis) brute force this with VC funding.

(How sustainable these cannabis startups actually are, and the moral implications of VC funding is another messy issue I won't get into.)

End of the day, you're left with a case of huge demand (porn has a massive audience!) with an unsustainable supply. So a startup builds an audience by tolerating porn, and slowly succumbs to the pressure of $$ as they scale.

A new startup with lower overhead and less expectation to hit profit takes the refugees. Until they get too big, and... It's just an unending shuffle. And NSFW content creators get displaced, rebuild. Over and over and over

Even if your business model is porn - some day the legal overhead piper is going to come calling.

Shoutout to OTW_News - AO3 being a fantastically well run non-profit has shielded them from this issue.

But they're also lucky enough to just host text, which scales much easier than video or images.

In a likely futile plea, I hope the AO3 model can be learned from - maybe even in a way creators can earn stable compensation for their works...

But I'd settle for someone more skilled at investigating and communicating these issues. Maybe we just need someone like doctorow or samleecole to crystalize the issue - so we NSFW creators to find our own solution and escape the churn.

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

[chiseler]

La Danse Mossad: Robert Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein

Media tycoon and former Labour MP Robert Maxwell (father of Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s partner in crime) was given a state funeral in Jerusalem after *accidentally* falling off his yacht – the unluckily named “Lady Ghislaine”. Later it was revealed Maxwell Sr was a Mossad asset who used his vast network of connections and publishing platforms to run editorial interference over his purchased assets to influence enemies and friends alike, ensuring their fealty to the foreign government that had enlisted him for its espionage work.

His tabloid empire was the piss-colored propaganda organ of the interests he served, overseeing its rapid growth and tentacled reach across the globe. More ominously, he was behind the spy agency’s successful attempt to install a trapdoor in software intended for government use, allowing the Israelis a direct pipeline into a vast network of computers installed with undetectable malware.

At the time of his death, the disgraced magnate was under investigation for raiding his companies’ pension funds to cover the losses incurred from his multiple and reckless takeovers, and finance a luxury lifestyle he enjoyed sharing with high profile pals like Henry Kissinger and Barbara Walters. Curiously, many of these fossilized specimens from Robert Maxwell’s roster of friends from the Reagan era would circle around Epstein, most notably Donald Trump whose Mar-a-Lago resort would later become a recruiting center for employer Epstein’s underage “massage therapists”.

Fast forward a couple of decades since the days a casino mogul was gobbling down canapés with the old guard denizens of the ‘swamp’. Notice a similar, if not identical MO in both Maxwell and Epstein’s role in procuring technology for the Israelis, who in turn sold it with undisclosed add-ons, providing an open window into its users’ databases.

Like his predecessor, Epstein had a financial stake in a startup (headed by former Israeli Defense Minister and later Prime Minister Ehud Barak) connected to Israel’s defense industry that provides infrastructure for emergency services as a call handling platform. Considering the company’s connection to military intelligence, it wouldn’t be a stretch to speculate on some of this software’s other ‘special’ features. A variation of the early technology that Maxwell was able to procure for his Israeli bosses was later sold to the Saudis, who leveraged its sophisticated tracking features to assassinate Jamal Khashoggi.

Epstein, like Maxwell, was laying the groundwork for Israeli espionage activities through his interests in companies with a political agenda concealed in products intended for international export. If true, the playboy philanthropist feted and flattered his high profile friends to ensnare them as complicit partners in what amounts to the legal definition of treason. Epstein’s covert activities have undiminished real world consequences for anyone on Israel’s international radar, especially those challenging the status quo policies in place that prioritize “The Jewish State’s” political and financial objectives over actual justice and global stability.

If you have ever asked yourself why Israel’s war crimes and settlement expansion go unchallenged by US lawmakers, consider the career destroying consequences contained within those dossiers compiled by the braintrust behind Epstein’s ’suicide’. “We’ll trade you one US Embassy in Jerusalem for 10 minutes of hidden camera footage of you . . . let’s say ‘enjoying’ a rolled up Forbes magazine”.

Were the surveillance apparatuses installed throughout Epstein’s properties merely a voyeur’s tools, or did he use them to leverage the moral failings of his former friends for purposes that might have risked exposure of more than the nether regions of wealthy pedo-punters? Considering his connections to Israeli defense industries and his own Achilles penis that required, by his own admission, “three orgasms a day”, the answer points to an unslakable addiction that dovetailed conveniently with his state-sponsored sex crimes.

Did Epstein make the same mistake as Maxwell (who had asked for nearly half a billion dollars in “loans” from his Israeli backers to relieve him of his mounting debts) believing the dirt he had in his possession would prove radioactive if released? By this time, the corpulent tycoon was nicknamed the ‘Bouncing Czech’ a reference in most part to his worsening money woes. The implication of this request, if turned down, was the exposure of Israel’s state secrets. Epstein could have also attempted to collateralize the cache of damning evidence still in his possession to secure his his freedom with the same fatal consequences.

Both Maxwell and Epstein somehow evaded the electronics that linked them to the outside world at the time of their deaths, even though the latter had reportedly made an attempt on his own life while in custody. Both men, facing ruination and serious prison time gave their executioners an alibi: They had nothing to left to live for. The establishment media is already trotting out ancient, ding-a-ling conspiracy theories from obscure right wing sources (attributed to Russia, of course) to highlight the absurdity and futility of questioning the official story of Epstein’s death. Verdict: Nothing to see here.

By now, it’s a given that the parasitic and preferred daughter of the deceased tycoon, made the fateful introduction between her new boyfriend and the Israeli operatives seeking an entry level plutocrat to carry out their blackmail operations after the untimely death of his predecessor. An impoverished socialite has to survive in pricey Manhattan somehow, and that somehow was re-establishing the shady connections to the espionage underworld that had recruited Maxwell Sr.

Ghislaine’s later role as Epstein’s Chief Procurement Officer (or pimp for short) gives more credence to the rumors that she is more than just a debased, barnacle-like appendage to a billionaire, desperate to please her platonic partner by “organizing his social life”, but a fully cognizant co-conspirator in an operation aimed at strengthening Israel’s hand in all matters pertaining to its national security interests, or more accurately, its overseas criminal enterprises.

The recent raid on Epstein’s Manhattan apartment was not the result of a so-called Justice Department righting the egregious wrong it committed by letting Epstein off with a slap on the wrist after his initial conviction that allowed him to serve his sentence largely outside the minimum-security facility with an open door policy for its billionaire guest. More likely, the reversal of Epstein’s “sweetheart” deal was a joint operation between the oligarch cabal informally known as the Mega-Group, and the state security apparatuses that do their bidding.

It’s seems likely that this sudden pivot towards justice from a Justice Department initially spooked into inaction by the spook in his custody, was motivated by the need to remove the most damning bits among Epstein’s vast trove of physical evidence against the pervy punters who visited his island getaway for unintended photo ops with underage girls.

Perhaps his own abuse of these minors was a perk he felt entitled to, and one that would be overlooked in the service of “national security”. It’s hard for most people to differentiate between the government he actually worked for and the ruling establishment on his home turf.

It’s possible that Epstein felt his serial transgressions were merely par for the plutocracy and justified in the service of a higher calling.

The ‘Israel First’ philanthropist shared an unyielding ideological justification for his own criminality as Robert Maxwell, whom the British Home Office had considered recruiting for its own intelligence gathering in the mid 1960’s. Having determined that the well-connected, multilingual, rising star politician was strictly “Zionist”, the spy agency withdrew his candidacy.

Epstein’s real crimes had little to do with raping children, despite the overturned plea deal that came about when a federal judge ruled that prosecutors had violated the victims rights by by concealing the agreement from them. The one time teflon-coated “member of intelligence” who was “above the pay grade” of a powerful District Attorney (now a now scandal-tainted former Labor Secretary) was ultimately (and lethally) penalized for not destroying the contents of his secret-laden safes, leaving his handlers still vulnerable to their explosive contents.

Had the doomed financier divested himself of the toxic assets still in his possession, he might still be roaming the earth today, scouring it for new specimens to populate his underage petting zoo. As a result of the Justice Department’s decision to reverse the non-prosecution deal meant to bury the most incendiary facts of the case, lower-rung punters like former governor Bill Richardson and Senator George Mitchell are being publicly named for their part in the sordid scandal. Someone has to take the fall. (Rule number one of PR crisis management: Crucify the insignificant and let them hang out to dry until the public tires of watching the slow motion spectacle of their undoing.) Meanwhile, documented and/or photographic evidence against more powerful players like Bill Clinton and Donald Trump will have already been destroyed in the pursuit of selective justice.

The fallout of Epstein’s spectacular downfall predictably miss the mark as scandals involving the rich and powerful tend to do. Much of the controversy will dissolve into a Cheeto dust maelstrom of disinformation, disseminated on Reddit and 4Chan by incel info-warriors before shooting up a shopping mall or playground.

Subsequent reporting of the case will overlook decades of the elite-driven state craft that elevated corrupt and ruthless entities like Epstein and Trump, both ring-kissing acolytes in their youth of influential mob fixer/political power broker Roy Cohn – himself a serial sexual predator who similarly caught the fancy of fellow deviants Joe McCarthy and J. Edgar Hoover. Follow the money trail from Tel Aviv and you’ll discover an ancestral link between the corpse of Epstein and his ghostly godfathers waiting with his rewards in hell.

Along with the other disgraced and expendable patsies left in the wake of this ongoing scandal is Alan Dershowitz, Epstein’s octogenarian chief legal counsel and ‘wing man’ aboard the Lolita Express. The now unemployable cable news pundit will live out the remainder of his pointless life under a cloud of suspicion. Despite all the damning testimony against him, the statutory rape allegations never quite stick, but follow him around like a sneaky fart, forcing a distance between himself and the rest of humanity that will last until he is engulfed by the sulfurous fumes of his own making.

The former Harvard law professor’s lifelong service to Israel will go unrewarded – not as a result of victim testimony placing him at multiple crime scenes, but in consideration of his own inept self-defense strategy: ”I’m a scurvy rat aboard a sinking ship eating its own tail to stay alive. Pity me”! Dershowitz at this point will be lucky if he can achieve the same pay grade and social status of Lindsay Lohan. Ditto for Prince Andrew who can at least be relied on to expire slowly of gout in his time-out corner at Windsor Castle.

The moral of this story could be “Lie down with dogs and never wake up again with a prison-issued sheet around your neck”. A variation of the old “Lie down with dogs and and wake up as fish food”.

by Jennifer Matsui

[phroyd]

Steve Hall, who retired from the CIA in 2015 after 30 years of running and managing Russia operations, said that the substance of the lies and alleged false statements documented by Mueller paint a broad picture with serious implications.

“In my view, those lies — what was lied about and under what condition the lies were told — contribute to a counterintelligence pattern that has begun to emerge pointing to senior members of the Trump team being involved with the Russians,” he said.

They lied to the public for months before Donald Trump was elected — and then repeatedly after he took office.

They lied to Congress as lawmakers sought to investigate Russia’s attack on American democracy in 2016.

And they lied to the FBI, even when they knew lying was a crime.

In indictments and plea agreements unveiled over the last 20 months, special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has shown over and over again that some of President Trump’s closest friends and advisers have lied about Russia and related issues.

On Friday, Mueller laid out a new allegation: that longtime Trump confidant Roger Stone lied to Congress and obstructed its probe of Russia’s interference in the 2016 campaign.What Roger Stone’s indictment means for the Russia investigation

Trump and his associates have dismissed the serial deception as a sideshow that has little to do with the central question of the Mueller investigation: whether his campaign engaged in a criminal conspiracy with Russia.

Following Stone’s indictment on Friday, Trump attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani scoffed, “Another false-statement case? God almighty.”

But it is unclear if the special counsel shares that view. While Mueller has not accused any American of criminally coordinating with Russia, the lies meticulously unspooled by his prosecutors over 20 months have not been mere quibbles.

They have documented various falsehoods by Trump advisers that masked efforts by people in his orbit to develop inroads with Russia and leverage that country’s hacking of Democratic emails.

The remaining question — for both Mueller’s team, as it works on a final investigative report, and for the American people — is why.

Did the president’s men lie to protect a still-hidden dark secret about the campaign’s interaction with Russia, engaging in a broad effort to obstruct the probe — one that included perhaps even Trump?

Did they lie to avoid diminishing Trump’s victory by acknowledging Russia played a role in his election?

Did they each lie for their own reasons, taking their cue from the president — who has told many whoppers of his own, including about Russia?

Trump’s former campaign chairman, deputy campaign manager, former national security adviser, personal lawyer and a campaign foreign policy adviser have all been accused of lying to investigators exploring Russia activity.

In their new indictment against Stone, prosecutors said he lied to Congress about his efforts to learn about WikiLeaks’s plans in 2016 as the group was publishing Democratic emails allegedly stolen by Russian operatives.

Stone falsely told Congress that he never discussed his efforts with the Trump campaign and never asked intermediaries to communicate with WikiLeaks’ founder, Julian Assange, Mueller’s team alleges.

Stone has denied the charges and promised to fight in court. “Perjury requires both materiality and intent,” he said on CNN Friday night. “There is none.”

“Secondarily, where’s the Russian collusion?” Stone added. “Where is the WikiLeaks collaboration? Where’s the evidence that I received anything from WikiLeaks or Julian Assange, and passed it on to Donald Trump or the Trump campaign?”

Trump echoed that message himself.

“Greatest Witch Hunt in the History of our Country! NO COLLUSION!” the president tweeted after Stone’s arrest.

Legal experts noted that the alleged lies are significant in their own right.

“Time and time again, elected officials and government officials have exhibited a belief they simply can say what they want in a high-profile investigation, and do so with impunity,” said Jacob S. Frenkel, a former attorney in the independent counsel’s office now in private practice at Dickinson Wright.

Some Trump friends said they are confounded by Stone’s alleged actions.

“If he had told the truth as alleged, there wouldn’t have been an underlying crime,” said Christopher Ruddy, chief executive of Newsmax. “There would have been no crime. They would have had to try and find other stuff.”

The Stone indictment does provide new details that nod at one of Mueller’s central inquiries: trying to determine whether anyone in Trump’s orbit coordinated with Russia or WikiLeaks.

In Friday’s filing, prosecutors lay out efforts by both Stone and Trump campaign officials to learn more about what WikiLeaks had in its cache in the summer of 2016 — actions that occurred after Russia had been fingered as a likely culprit behind the theft of the Democratic Party emails that June.

Still, the mounting false statements charges collected by Mueller do not speak to the question of criminal coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia, some analysts noted.

“I think there is some theory under which you could include them in such a conspiracy, and I wonder why not,” said Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney. “Is it that they don’t think the evidence goes that far? Is it that they think this conduct does not amount to a conspiracy to defraud the United States and it is instead dirty, political tricks?”

Steve Hall, who retired from the CIA in 2015 after 30 years of running and managing Russia operations, said that the substance of the lies and alleged false statements documented by Mueller paint a broad picture with serious implications.

“In my view, those lies — what was lied about and under what condition the lies were told — contribute to a counterintelligence pattern that has begun to emerge pointing to senior members of the Trump team being involved with the Russians,” he said.

Hall said the country needs to take step back from a narrow conversation about the political and even criminal ramifications of each Mueller indictment. “We’ve got to be looking beyond who gets a parking ticket or even a few years in prison,” he said. “What about the bigger picture? This was Russia, attacking the United States.”

The deception by Trump advisers that has led to guilty pleas so far does have a common throughline: Much of it centers on their interactionsabout Russia.

Trump’s longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen admitted lying to Congress about efforts to build a Trump real estate project in Moscow during the campaign — at a time when then-candidate Trump claimed he had no business ties to Russia.

Cohen also lied about seeking help on the lucrative project from one of Russian President Vladi­mir Putin’s closest advisers. Trump had said no one in his orbit had contact with the Russian government.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn admitted he lied — first to Vice President Pence, then to the public and finally to the FBI — about whether he had spoken to a Russian envoy in December 2016 about sanctions imposed by President Obama as punishment for Russia’s campaign interference.

That lie came as investigators were working to understand why Russia, whose top foreign policy goals include undoing U.S. sanctions, fought so hard to help elect Trump over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos has admitted lying about his contacts with a professor who gave him early warning in April 2016 that Russia held thousands of Clinton emails.

Prosecutors have said former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort has continued to lie even after pleading guilty to two conspiracy charges, which included lying to the Justice Department. His latest lies, they have said, involved details of his campaign interactions with a Russian employee who the FBI has assessed has ties to Russian intelligence.

As they wait for Mueller to finish his investigation, Democrats in Congress are likely to focus on the president himself and what he knew of the lies.

On Friday, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, tweeted: “Roger Stone, Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen, Rick Gates, Michael Flynn . . . What did the President know and when did he know it?

Some legal analysts said the charges do not appear to be building to a criminal case against the president.

The lying “certainly alerts you to the possibility of kind of obstructionist conspiracies,” said James M. Trusty, a former Justice Department organized crime chief now in private practice at Ifrah Law. But, he added, “at the end of the day, it looks like people are making independent, individual choices that are landing them in hot water. I think it’s the kind of thing that the Mueller probe doesn’t want to ignore . . . but the indictments themselves aren’t moving the case forward.”

The number of lies documented by the special counsel could also undercut Mueller’s efforts to make a broader case by hampering the effort to sort truth from fiction, some longtime Trump associates said.

“In Trump world, everybody lies. Everybody doesn’t tell the truth. At the end of the day, they are all lying. I don’t know how Mueller can believe anybody,” said Louise Sunshine, a longtime executive with the Trump Organization.

Trump allies say the president knows that many of the people around him are not trustworthy — and believes he can use that to his advantage if any of his onetime aides attempt to pin their wrongdoing on him.

He has instructed Giuliani and his other lawyers to question the credibility of anyone who attacks him, according to White House aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. After Cohen, Trump’s longtime personal attorney, pleaded guilty, the president on Twitter called him a “rat” who “makes up stories.”

Sam Nunberg, a former Trump aide, said he believed that people around Trump lied to investigators because they were trying to make sure their version of events lined up with lies the president was telling to the American people.

“They all conspired,” he said, “against themselves.”

Phroyd

[justsomeantifas]

Hey can you explain what’s going on with Cohen? I don’t get tv where I am and I’m so confused

Okay so Michael Cohen has been Trump’s personal lawyer plead guilty on Tuesday for violating bank, tax, and campaign finance laws totaling 8 counts. 

Today, as you heard, Michael Cohen pled guilty to eight felony charges. Five of those dealt with tax evasion for the years 2012 through 2016, in which he failed to report approximately $4.1 million in reported income. … In addition, Mr. Cohen pled guilty to two campaign finance charges, one for causing an unlawful corporate contribution and a second one for personally making an excessive personal contribution, both for the purpose of influencing the 2016 election. In addition, what he did was he worked to pay money to silence two women who had information that he believed would be detrimental to the 2016 campaign and to the candidate and the campaign. In addition, Mr. Cohen sought reimbursement for that money by submitting invoices to the candidate’s company which were untrue and false. 

The women being silenced are obviously Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of this hush money scandal, if you’re interested. In Cohen’s guilty plea he implicated Trump in his involvement with these crimes, specifically stating that Trump directed to make a $130,000 payoffs to Daniels and McDougal.  

Cohen said the payments were made “in coordination with and at the direction of a candidate for federal office” and that they were made “for the principal purpose of influencing the election.” 

Cohen’s lawyer said on Twitter regarding the guilty pleas: “If those payments were a crime for Michael Cohen, then why wouldn’t they be a crime for Donald Trump?” 

Now the bigger question is if Cohen is going to work with Mueller regarding Trump. Mueller has shown no interest in an agreement between himself and Cohen (at least as far as the public knows) but this was before Cohen implicated Trump. Now who knows BUT the person that could definitely hurt Trump more would be Paul Manafort who was found guilty yesterday. Manafort knows A LOT and it’s him that Trump (and people like Roger Stone) are way more worried about which they have admitted before. But I can say that we will likely see more legal issues in the court regarding these men, especially Manafort. 

In terms of Michael Cohen’s sentencing, he faces 65 years in prison, which will be determined in December but I’d bet it’ll be 5-10 years at most. Trump can pardon him, but according to Cohen’s lawyer, he won’t accept a pardon if offered which I HIGHLY doubt but I don’t believe anything any of these fuckers say so *shrugs*

If you’d like to read more about Cohen’s guilty plea here’s some articles:

Michael Cohen Pleads Guilty & Implicates Trump as Paul Manafort Is Convicted. Is Impeachment Next?

Cohen won’t accept pardon from Trump, attorney says

New York state has subpoenaed Michael Cohen in Trump Foundation probe

In Fox interview, Trump seems to confess a campaign finance violation while trying to deny it

A running list of GOP reaction to Michael Cohen’s implication of Donald Trump

And finally these are the documents in court showing Michael Cohen’s plea deal in full (note that the person referred to as “Individual-1″ is Donald Trump). 

[youzicha]

Vox on Mueller

Sources say that there will be no further indictments, so in the end five Trump associates were indicted and took plea deals that required cooperating with the investigation. Going back to the earlier Vox articles, we have

Papadopoulos:

if the Trump campaign or Trump associates did know of or were involved in those hackings and leaks in any way — something they’ve denied — it would elevate this scandal to an entirely new level.  [...] Papadopoulos appears to have made a plea deal including some cooperation. Much could hinge on what he says.

Gates:

The question, now, is precisely what Gates’s cooperation would entail. That is: Is it mainly bad news for Manafort? Or does it have even bigger implications for the investigation into Russian interference as a whole, and into President Trump specifically? Because if Manafort were to know of anything that could implicate Trump in connection with Russia, it seems quite plausible Gates would know it too.

Manafort:

Manafort agreed to cooperate with the investigation. It’s enormously important news for the Russia investigation. Many have long speculated that the special counsel’s main aim in charging Manafort with financial and lobbying crimes was to pressure him to “flip” — so he’d agree to provide information related to their true concern of whether the Trump campaign conspired with Russia to interfere with the election. Now, it’s happened. And that should make President Donald Trump very nervous indeed.

Pinedo:

the precise implications of Pinedo’s plea agreement were not immediately clear

Flynn:

“When you flip somebody, you’re using them to go up the chain,” Asha Rangappa, a legal expert at Yale’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, said in an interview before Flynn agreed to a plea deal. “This suggests that Mueller’s investigation is going to go into the even-tighter inner circle of the campaign and possibly the administration.” [...] Somewhat separate from the question of collusion is the question of whether Trump committed obstruction of justice after taking office, essentially by unlawfully interfering with former FBI Director James Comey’s inquiry. Flynn is a central character in the entire drama — and his fate could prefigure Trump’s.“I think Flynn’s value to Mueller is less on the collusion part and has more to do with obstruction of justice,” Rangappa told me before the plea deal announcement. “If Trump had any knowledge of any kind of criminal liability that Flynn may have had — and he was trying to get Comey to drop the investigation — that essentially seals Mueller’s obstruction case.”

Beyond the fact that Chekhov’s gun misfired, I’m also a bit confused about what this says about Mueller’s trial strategy. Like, the Rangappa “go up the chain” theory above makes sense, but in this case they apparently gave information about nobody in particular?

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!