Current:Home > ScamsHearing in Trump classified documents case addresses a possible conflict for a co-defendant’s lawyer -Clarity Finance Guides
Hearing in Trump classified documents case addresses a possible conflict for a co-defendant’s lawyer
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-10 02:18:47
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (AP) — The federal judge overseeing the classified documents case against Donald Trump was holding a hearing on Friday about a potential conflict of interest involving a co-defendant’s lawyer.
Prosecutors say lawyer Stanley Woodward, who represents Trump valet Walt Nauta, has a conflict because he previously represented an information technology specialist who’s expected to be a key government witness at trial and represents another person who may be called to testify.
Nauta is charged along with the Republican former president with scheming to conceal classified government documents from federal investigators. The prosecutors want to ensure at Friday’s hearing that Nauta understands the situation with his lawyer and knowingly forfeits his right to conflict-free legal representation.
Prosecutors have described the witness as an IT director at Trump’s Palm Beach complex, Mar-a-Lago, who was asked to delete surveillance video there in an apparent effort to obstruct the federal investigation. The witness retracted “prior false testimony” after switching lawyers last summer from Woodward to an attorney in the federal defender’s office, prosecutors have said. The IT specialist has since struck a cooperation agreement with prosecutors and is expected to be a witness as the case proceeds to a trial next May.
The hearing was supposed to take place last week, but U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon postponed it after it began, scolding prosecutors for making arguments she said had not been properly raised in court filings. It was rescheduled for Friday.
Since then, Woodward has told special counsel Jack Smith’s team that he does not intend to cross-examine the witness he used to represent, according to a filing this week from prosecutors. Prosecutors had argued that it would have been unethical for him to do so, potentially causing him to violate a former client’s confidences or pull punches while trying to discredit the witness’ testimony, as defense lawyers do.
Last week, Cannon ruled that another co-defendant, Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira, could keep his attorney after he said that he understood the potential conflicts arising from his lawyer’s prior representation of three potential government witnesses.
Trump, Nauta and De Oliveira have pleaded not guilty. A spokesperson for Trump, the early front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, says the case is part of a “desperate and flailing attempt” by Democrats to harass him and to influence the White House contest.
___
Tucker reported from Washington.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Average rate on 30
- Scientists closely watching these 3 disastrous climate change scenarios
- Body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is recovered from wreckage of superyacht, coast guard says
- Taylor Swift, her ex Taylor Lautner and an unlikely, eye-catching friendship
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- A dreaded, tree-killing beetle has reached North Dakota
- 'Megalopolis' trailer sparks controversy with fabricated quotes from film critics
- National Public Data confirms massive data breach included Social Security numbers
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Tropical Storm Hone forms in the central Pacific Ocean, Gilma still a Category 3 hurricane
Ranking
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Too early or not soon enough? Internet reacts to Starbucks dropping Pumpkin Spice Lattes Aug. 22
- Scientists closely watching these 3 disastrous climate change scenarios
- When do cats stop growing? How to know your pet has reached its full size
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Hungary says it will provide free tickets to Brussels for migrants trying to enter the EU
- Bridgerton Star Jonathan Bailey Addresses Show’s “Brilliant” Gender-Swapped Storyline
- US home sales ended a 4-month slide in July amid easing mortgage rates, more homes on the market
Recommendation
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
5-year-old Utah boy dies from accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound
South Carolina considers its energy future through state Senate committee
Weight loss drugs sold online offer cheaper alternative to Ozempic, Wegovy. Are they safe?
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Biden promised to clean up heavily polluted communities. Here is how advocates say he did
Los Angeles Dodgers designate outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment
Scientists closely watching these 3 disastrous climate change scenarios