Former President Donald J. Trump has made changes to his legal defense team in Georgia prior to being booked on 13 felony charges in an Atlanta jail. He has hired veteran criminal defense lawyer Steve Sadow, known for handling high-profile cases.
The decision to bring in Sadow follows the negotiations conducted by Trump’s previous lawyers, Drew Findling, Jennifer Little, and Marissa Goldberg, which resulted in a $200,000 bond for Trump. The former president is one of 19 defendants in a racketeering indictment pertaining to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
There have been reports that Findling will likely be let go, while Little will continue to be retained. Sadow made a statement asserting that Trump should never have been indicted and that he is innocent of all charges. He criticized the prosecution for allegedly being politically motivated.
Trump is expected to surrender at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where he will undergo standard booking procedures. His supporters have gathered outside the jail to demonstrate their solidarity. The indictment in Georgia is the fourth criminal case that has been filed against Trump this year. It also involves other individuals accused of election interference.
Several defendants have sought to transfer their cases to federal court, while others have issued demands for speedy trials. The timing of any potential trial remains uncertain due to ongoing pretrial discussions. The Fulton County district attorney’s office is prosecuting the case and has requested arraignments to be held during the week of September 5.
Trump’s decision to change his legal team is not surprising, as he has frequently cycled through lawyers throughout his career. It is worth noting that the lawyers currently representing him in these criminal cases are being paid with donations made by his supporters after the 2020 election.
Steve Sadow, based in Atlanta, is renowned for his expertise in criminal defense and has represented notable clients in the music industry, including rappers T.I., Rick Ross, and Gunna. He was previously involved in a high-profile racketeering case, representing Gunna in a guilty plea. Sadow’s track record also includes representing Howard K. Stern, the boyfriend of Anna Nicole Smith, and his conviction in a conspiracy case was eventually overturned.
As Trump prepares to face charges in Georgia, his legal team adjustments indicate his intent to vigorously fight the allegations.