# FBI Search and Seizure at Trump's Mar-A-Lago Residence, August 8, 2022, Case Dismissed July 15, 2024 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [August 8, 2022, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329 "2022-08-08T23:18:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 320
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6381 "2023-06-22T21:35:04Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > What’s wrong with the lawyer(s) that Trump had for his arraignment? Co-defendants have interests that are adverse, so they have a built-in conflict of interest. That’s why there are conflict public defenders. Each defendant is entitled to mount a defense specific to their own best interests – including flipping and testifying against their co-defendant(s). ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6382 "2023-06-22T21:43:16Z")
> [@Fluffy\_PickleSniffer](#): > > Thank you! My follow up question is whether that’s a standard thing or something special cooked up for the guy that walked off with all this stuff once already. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6383 "2023-06-22T21:44:06Z")
Makes sense… But I’ve heard that Nauta’s legal bills are being paid by Trump? or at least by Trump-friendly funds? Is that not a conflict by itself? (Just reading that Nauta has an arraignment date set for June 27) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6384 "2023-06-22T21:46:35Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > What’s up with that? I thought Trumpy was paying his legal bills… Asked and answered. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6385 "2023-06-22T21:56:30Z")
> [@scudsucker](#): > > He can’t even distinguish between “there” and “their”. Dude, spelling flames are lame. There’s so much other stuff to call without having to resort to that sort of thing. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6386 "2023-06-22T22:01:59Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Makes sense… But I’ve heard that Nauta’s legal bills are being paid by Trump? or at least by Trump-friendly funds? > > Is that not a conflict by itself? Sure, but the court won’t intervene in that. Defendants can waive any conflicts. Stupid, but allowed. A judge should closely question a defendant who has an obvious conflict to ascertain if they have been made fully aware of any potential conflicts and determine if they are still willing to waive them before accepting the dual representation. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6387 "2023-06-22T22:23:32Z")
Trump’s lawyers say it is likely he will take the stand: > **[Trump should take the stand in federal court, says legal team: ‘Fantastic...](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/jun/22/trumps-legal-team-vouches-putting-him-stand-federa/)** > > Former President Trump should testify in any of his pending court battles, including the federal trial for mishandling classified documents and obstructing justice, a member of his legal team said. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6388 "2023-06-22T22:24:19Z")
Going for the mistrial, then, it would seem. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6389 "2023-06-22T22:29:05Z")
Too crazy to try for espionage, not crazy enough not to run the country. Jesus wept. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6390 "2023-06-22T22:36:29Z")
His testimony might serve to help prove a hoarding defenses. Though, from everything that I can find, it doesn’t seem to be a successful argument in previous cases. > **[Man Who Gave Hoarding Defense Sentenced For Murder](https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/man-who-gave-hoarding-defense-sentenced-for-murder/)** > > A Northern California man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing an animal control officer despite defense testimony from a psychologist who stars on the reality TV show "Hoarders." > **[Harold T. Martin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_T._Martin)** > > Harold Thomas Martin III (born November 1964) is an American computer scientist and former contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton who pleaded guilty to illegally removing 50 terabytes of data from the National Security Agency. The United States government reportedly failed to note or effectively respond to a number of issues with Martin's security practices and behaviors over a period of 10 to 20 years. The motive for the crime has been a subject of debate, investigators reportedly had di Martin ea... ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6391 "2023-06-22T22:36:42Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Going for the mistrial, then, it would seem. OK, if he takes the stand and just makes a Donald Trump out of himself, how does this lead to a mistrial? IANAL. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6392 "2023-06-22T22:37:01Z")
Never mind, ninja’d. ---
**Author:** ![Flopnoodle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ad7895/32.png) [@Flopnoodle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flopnoodle)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6393 "2023-06-22T22:39:31Z")
“I think he’s a fantastic advocate for himself because nobody can say it better than himself what he did and didn’t do,” she said. I find myself in agreement with Habba here. Let him take the stand! ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6394 "2023-06-22T22:42:27Z")
Do not believe anything Alina Habba says. She is a serial liar who doesn’t appear to know the law. Remember, she’s the attorney who was looking forward to deposing witnesses in a criminal case. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6395 "2023-06-22T22:42:30Z")
To be more accurate, > Alina Habba, a spokesperson for Mr. Trump’s legal team who represents him in several civil matters, told The Washington Times that **she has no problem** if the former president wants to take the stand to defend himself in any criminal trial. Habba may have a law degree, but she’s not really acting as a lawyer here in this capacity. More as a media manipulator. ---
**Author:** ![Buck\_Godot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buck_godot/32/6573_2.png) [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6396 "2023-06-22T22:42:40Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > Trump’s lawyers say it is likely he will take the stand: The SEC should take a look into Habba and see if she has made any large purchases of contracts for pop corn futures. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6397 "2023-06-22T22:43:33Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > OK, if he takes the stand and just makes a Donald Trump out of himself, how does this lead to a mistrial? IANAL. IANAL, either. But I sat through a hell of a lot of trials. There will be many rulings made about what witnesses can talk about and what they can’t. Those rulings will be made in advance of trial and the attorneys will be instructed to avoid questioning witnesses about areas that are ruled off limits. I suspect this case will have lots of “off limits” testimony due to the classified nature of the subject documents. Witnesses who blurt out information in violation of these rulings can cause a mistrial if what they say is too prejudicial. Got any thoughts on how likely it is that Trump will violate at least one of these prohibitions? On purpose, even? (Rhetorical questions; I won’t insult your intelligence.) ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6398 "2023-06-22T22:48:02Z")
I would hope that the justice department in my proud country would have built in protections against a guilty defendant invoking his own mistrial. But my country has disappointed me before. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6399 "2023-06-22T22:50:29Z")
Well, it’s one reason I’d like to see a different judge running this case. A good judge can control an out-of-control witness. I have serious concerns whether _this_ judge can or will do that. Hopefully his actual trial lawyers won’t let him anywhere near the witness stand. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2023, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/6400 "2023-06-22T22:51:51Z")
Amusing though it may be to consider, I don’t think he can be found non-competent. He is in much better shape than the people I’ve interviewed for formal psych assessment. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329.md?page=319) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329.md?page=321)