Keep an eye out in the days ahead. Trump’s Miami Co-Defendant Walt Nauta still doesn’t have a lawyer to represent him for the case being brought in the Southern District of Florida. Oh, he’s got a lead counsel but the problem is that the guy Trump has hired to handle Nauta’s defense isn’t certified to practice in the jurisdiction where the charges have been brought. Trump at least found someone to handle his own arraignment last month but neglected to get someone else for Nauta, if only for that day and fairly routine matter.
That meant having to reschedule Nauta’s arraignment which was supposed to be late in June but despite the extra time Nauta still didn’t have a Miami lawyer! Now, what normally would have happened is the judge would have assigned someone from the Public Defender’s Office or assigned counsel from a “standby” list to handle things. However nothing is simple when it comes to Trump and legal proceedings so Nauta got some special treatment few defendants would get. A second postponement.
So mark your calendars folks because this Thursday is D-Day A-Day as in Arraignment Day. One way or the other Nauta is going to be arraigned. You see Jack Smith has already gotten an appearance scheduled for July 14 in front of judge Cannon. All the gang, the govt. lawyers and Trump’s and Nauta’s will have to be there! There’s been some speculation that Trump has been trying his typical delaying crap by putting off Nauta’s arraignment. The reasoning I guess being is that since they are both being tried together then both have to have legal representation ready to go. However, while delay might be a “bonus” in Trump’s thinking, the real reason might be something else. Something not at all good for Nauta.
As this article notes the “problem” could very well be Trump is having trouble finding a lawyer admitted to practice in the Southern District of Florida AND who he can control! Today isn’t the first time I’ve read there have been conditions Trump and HIS lawyer have for Nauta’s counsel. They don’t want anyone who has experience as a prosecutor for openers. Now why would that be? Maybe a former prosecutor might take a look at things and do what for Trump would be unforgiveable – not just realize the best thing for Nauta would be to cut a deal but discuss the possibility with Smith’s team!
It was noted after the failed second attempt at arraignment that someone had agreed to represent Nauta but the night before the whole thing fell apart over money. Supposedly the lawyer jacked up his fee at the last minute. I think maybe it was something else. One doesn’t have to be a former prosecutor or even a lawyer to know damn well Nauta, who prosecutors have dead to rights for handling and on Trump’s instructions hiding National Security information has ONE way and one way only to avoid a stiff prison sentence – to cut a plea deal.
Knowing that, and that Trump lawyers are increasingly becoming defendants themselves, heading before state Bar Associations to try and hang on to their licenses or at the very least shelling out large sums for their own lawyers I can see how whomever Trump hires might want some extra money. Or, if he/she should decide at some point (and soon) that the best thing for both Nauta and themselves is to yes, cut a deal and as quickly as possible. That means not only more money than Trump wants to shell out, but also a huge upfront retainer. One that’s ironclad that Trump is out all that cash if he fires Nauta’s lawyer for any reason. And that will cover lost fees while said lawyer is rebuilding their status in the legal community after Trump trashes them to MAGA and every well-off Republican in FL. It costs money to pick up and relocate a career.
So far Nauta is too stupid or gullible to realize that while he had a good run for himself while being Trump’s daily errand boy it’s time to move on. To somewhere other than the prison he’s going to wind up in if he doesn’t. Trump wants to keep it that way. It’s said he doesn’t want Nauta out of his sight these days. For damned sure Trump does NOT want Nauta in a room with any defense lawyer who might dare to put Walt Nauta’s interests ahead of Trump’s.
Yes, it would cost Nauta serious money to sneak away from Trump and make his way to DC and retain a top-flight lawyer who would represent him and him only. Hundreds of thousands even if a plea deal were to be quickly reached. But Nauta could make it all back which on hell of a book deal once the trial is done.
For now, keep an eye out this week. If Trump keeps playing games and sends Nauta into that arraignment this coming Thursday without local counsel to complete the process I’m pretty sure the judge will call a recess for an hour or so while Nauta gets a chance to chat with whatever lawyer the judge assigns to him. And watching that lawyer argue with the lawyer Trump already has to “oversee” Nauta’s defense should be epic. (Well, for Nauta. We won’t get to see what happens in the room they retire to) I could very well end with Nauta telling his Trump paid for lawyer to take a hike. He’s a retired Chief Petty Officer and, for now at least has his pension. Ex-President or not Trump can’t prevent him from being able to support himself.
It could be a boring week if we learn Trump found Nauta a Miami lawyer. Or it could be an interesting one if come Thursday Nauta walks into court (and he’s apparently been told this time no excuses about delayed flights – he’d better be there!) without someone to handle his arraignment. Stay tuned because if that’s what happens Thursday all bets are off. And Trump’s meltdown will we can be sure be at a whole new level.
Stay Tuned.
Who could have thought that Trump & Co’s legal proceedings could have been delayed by his legendary cheapness and selfishness?
Only everyone.
Which is exactly what the buffoon wants – he will every trick known (and probably invent a few more) to delay ANY trial from even looking like it may begin until he gets the Republiqanon nomination so that he can claim “You can’t put me on trial – I’m gonna be your next president”
The problem with Nauta being represented by a trump-paid lawyer is the conflict of interest. If Cannon has any sense she will advise him to find independent counsel, and be quick about it. Otherwise, if he is convicted he will have a rock-solid case for appeal, and she will have egg on her face and a blotch on her record. Similarly, no lawyer should take him on as a client if he or she is being paid by trump. It’s a fundamental breach of legal ethics and could result in disbarment. We will know next week if Cannon has the ability to take charge of these proceedings and run this trial. I’m sensing a legal train wreck in the making.
“… a blotch on her record.: —> “yet another blotch on her (still quite short) record.”
Diet Coke Valet. I wonder if he puts that on his resume/CV. He could add he was trump’s PERSONAL diet coke valet. lmao