An Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14, 2023, handed down indictments against former President Donald Trump and 18 other individuals in connection with alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. This marks the fourth criminal case that Trump is currently entangled in.
The charges, part of a comprehensive investigation spearheaded by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, focus on the blatant efforts made by Trump and his associates to interfere with the electoral process.
Unlike previous charges brought by special counsel Jack Smith, these state-level charges present a unique scenario. If Trump were to be reelected in 2024, he would not have the authority to pardon himself or his allies from any convictions under state law, nor could he influence state prosecutors to drop the charges.
Trump, maintaining his innocence, entered a not guilty plea through a court filing, opting out of a physical court appearance as permitted under Georgia law.
On March 13, 2024, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee made a ruling to dismiss six out of the 41 counts listed in the indictment, including three that directly involved Trump. It's important to note that this partial dismissal does not invalidate the entire indictment, as the majority of the charges outlined in the extensive racketeering indictment remain in effect.
