# 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:** 370
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7381 "2023-09-07T17:42:47Z")
Trump has a history of making bold claims that he hadn’t backed up. I won’t say that there is no way he will testify, but I’d be surprised. I expect when the time comes he won’t actually do it. He has shown in the past that he’s willing to stay off the stand or plead the fifth when advised to do so, so it’s not like his ego is too strong for him to contain himself. There’s no consequence for claiming he’ll testify and then not doing it, so it makes sense that he’d want the best of both worlds, and play tough guy to his fans while not actually taking the risk of doing it. He can always say after the fact, “I wanted to and they didn’t let me!” He pulled that stunt before too. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7382 "2023-09-07T17:44:03Z")
Given that my courtroom knowledge has been gleaned from the novels of Grisham, Connelly, and Turow, I don’t know the definitive answer to this question: If a defendant wants to take the stand, can his attorney prevent him from doing so? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7383 "2023-09-07T17:48:31Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > Inasmuch as I would like to see Trump on the witness stand, I would agree with Mr. Kries. Given Mr. Trump’s penchant for bluff, bluster, exaggeration, and flat-out BS, there is no possible benefit to Mr. Trump’s case if he were to take the stand. I’d take the gloves off and destroy him on the stand. I’d make sure the jury hears _every_ lie that comes out of his mouth, and give them the whys and wherefores as to exactly why they are lies, and make them understand that he’s convicted himself. But then, I’m not a lawyer. I’d probably get smacked down for badgering the witness or something. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7384 "2023-09-07T17:51:22Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > But then, I’m not a lawyer. I’d probably get smacked down for badgering the witness or something. “Or something”? How about for practicing law without a license? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7385 "2023-09-07T18:01:09Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I’d probably get smacked down for badgering the witness or something. Jolly joker! _If I_ were _a lawyer_, I’d probably get smacked down for badgering the witness or something. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7386 "2023-09-07T18:04:34Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I’d take the gloves off and destroy him on the stand. … [Snip] So would I. I’m pretty sure that with proper questioning, he would turn into Captain Queeg going on about strawberries. > [@](#): > > But then, I’m not a lawyer. … [Snip] Here’s the thing, **Johnny** : I _am_. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7387 "2023-09-07T18:09:43Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > So would I. I’m pretty sure that with proper questioning, he would turn into Captain Queeg going on about strawberries. I made this a while ago. It would fit better in the January 6th thread, but since you mentioned it… [[Album] imgur.com ![](https://i.imgur.com/vyNqWGi.jpeg?fb "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/a/fr16plT) ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7388 "2023-09-07T18:10:26Z")
Can I practice law? I’ve been called to the bar in many fine pubs and restaurants… ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7389 "2023-09-07T18:12:43Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > If a defendant wants to take the stand, can his attorney prevent him from doing so? IANAL, but I seem to recall attorneys pointing out that no, the lawyer could not prevent the defendant from testifying. It was based on the principle that the client is the boss in that relationship (though smart defendants follow their lawyer’s advice). Of course the attorney isn’t going to violate ethics or something like that at the client’s behest. But for procedural decisions like “should I accept this plea deal” or “should I take the stand,” it’s the client’s decision. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7390 "2023-09-07T18:13:54Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > there is no possible benefit to Mr. Trump’s case if he were to take the stand Maybe he’s setting up an appeal based on ineffectual counsel. “They let me testify!” ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7391 "2023-09-07T18:19:55Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > IANAL, but I seem to recall attorneys pointing out that no, the lawyer could not prevent the defendant from testifying. It was based on the principle that the client is the boss in that relationship (though smart defendants follow their lawyer’s advice). Right. One of the many things you learn at law school is that in a lawyer-client relationship, it’s the client who makes the final decision. What the lawyer does do is to lay out all the options that the client has, and the pros and cons of each. Of course, the lawyer can recommend (sometimes strongly) a course of action, but in the end, it’s the client who makes the final decision. So if Mr. Trump wanted to take the stand, then no matter how much his lawyer recommended against it, he could. It would be entertaining, that’s for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7392 "2023-09-07T18:50:59Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > It would be entertaining, that’s for sure. Oh, that it would be televised! I would not move from the TV. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7393 "2023-09-07T19:36:54Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > If a defendant wants to take the stand, can his attorney prevent him from doing so? No. A defendant has an absolute right to testify if they wish. Even if the laywer thinks his client is going to perjure himself, he’s allowed to testify. (although the lawyer is not required to ask questions if he thinks the answers will be lies.) In our courts the judge specifically tells the defendant about their absolute right to testify before they rest their case (this does not take place in front of the jury) ---
**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:** [September 7, 2023, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7394 "2023-09-07T20:09:55Z")
I don’t think Trump will take the stand. He may be unable to shut up, but he has learned not to accept or answer questions from anyone hostile to him. He gives interviews only to fawning sycophants who won’t question his obvious lies or press him if he doesn’t answer the question. He won’t debate. He won’t go up against political rivals, even Republicans, who would easily demolish him. He gives a press conference, where he makes an announcement then says “thank you” and walks out without taking questions. There is no way on Earth he will agree to be questioned by a lawyer. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7395 "2023-09-07T20:17:18Z")
If anyone thinks that Trump saying he will testify is evidence that he actually will testify, they don’t know Trump. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7396 "2023-09-07T21:15:19Z")
Oh, I think that he will happily testify … in two weeks. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2023, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7397 "2023-09-07T21:33:48Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > He can always say after the fact, “I wanted to and they didn’t let me!” He pulled that stunt before too. Pretty much this. He’s pulled that card often now ---
**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:** [September 8, 2023, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7398 "2023-09-08T00:43:47Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#): > > I don’t think Trump will take the stand… Of course he won’t. He never would. He lies, and lies, and lies. When he says that he’ll take the stand and be proud to testify… just another dumb lie. Let’s never forget who we’re talking about here. ---
**Author:** ![CaptMurdock](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/captmurdock/32/11736_2.png) [@CaptMurdock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaptMurdock)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2023, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7399 "2023-09-09T01:17:15Z")
IANAL either, but if a lawyer knows to a reasonable certainty that his client is going perjure himself on the stand, is that lawyer obligated to immediately resign as his counsel? AFAIK, the lawyer is not allowed to present _any_ evidence (including his client’s testimony) that he knows to be false. ---
**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:** [September 9, 2023, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-search-and-seizure-at-trumps-mar-a-lago-residence-august-8-2022-case-dismissed-july-15-2024/969329/7400 "2023-09-09T02:07:21Z")
I think a lawyer could reasonably say “I TOLD him not to lie. Repeatedly. I TOLD him the consequences for lying. Repeatedly. I knew he is an idiot, but come on!” [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=369) [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=371)