# NY AG Letitia James drops the (civil) hammer {On Trump & Family} \[9/21/2022\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [September 21, 2022, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991 "2022-09-21T16:13:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 75
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1482 "2023-11-15T22:12:06Z")
Did the NY AG offer a settlement before the trial began back in September? This kind of reminds me about the documents case in Florida. All Trump had to do was return the documents when asked and he would have avoided all this trouble. I imagine had he settled with the NY AG back in September he’d be out a lot of money but he might have been able to keep his business intact. I don’t see what incentive the NY AG has to settle at this point. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1483 "2023-11-15T22:19:19Z")
All of this is why I’d be astounded if a deal happens. That said, I can see the attorneys being fully aware they are cooked and spending a bit of time to take the judge’s temperature, which would generate the “rumors” of settlement talks. Because really, all this story comes down to is court staff observing private conversation and speculating as to its nature. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1484 "2023-11-15T22:21:06Z")
[What a rip-off. I totally premeditated, you know.](https://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0520.html) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1485 "2023-11-15T22:22:21Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > Did the NY AG offer a settlement before the trial began back in September? The linked article says they made an offer in 2022, and that was the last one reported. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1486 "2023-11-15T22:44:54Z")
I think they’re underestimating the prosecution’s chances. ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [November 15, 2023, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1487 "2023-11-15T23:18:19Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > The whole case revolves around the Trump Org’s collective inability to understand … well … math. They understood math perfectly. We have this number and we need that number… add/subtract as necessary. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1488 "2023-11-16T00:27:02Z")
I’m not a structural engineer. But look at that. The weight of the dome part is pushing down and out on the lower structure. OUT on the the lower structure. I do not see any buttresses. Perhaps there are things I’m not seeing. But I do only see two main support posts. the rest appear to be 4x4s that are not structurally sound (each one is in two pieces, they are for the windows.) The two columns and 4x4’ support a ‘beam’ that appears to be hollow. It has an air duct in it. And look up, and see what it’s supporting. It’s been standing for a long time, so surely I’m wrong. But at a look at one picture, it looks unsafe. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1489 "2023-11-16T00:36:03Z")
One of Trump’s first witnesses … uh … may not have proved as helpful to Trump’s defense as Trump, et al., may have hoped: > **[Trump's own fraud-trial expert testifies about 'glaring' problems in his...](https://news.yahoo.com/trumps-own-fraud-trial-expert-224823393.html)** > > With experts like these, who needs an attorney general? Donald Trump's star accounting witness noted numerous red flags and "inconsistencies" in docs. > [@](#): > > “It’s certainly a red flag for me,” testified the expert, Jason Flemmons, referring to an internal, Trump Organization spreadsheet from 2016 displayed on overhead screens in the lower Manhattan courtroom. > > “I’d want to know more,” Flemmons said of the spreadsheet, in which Trump claimed some $200 million in ready cash. State officials say those millions were actually locked in a partnership that Trump did not have sole authority to withdraw from. > > “It’s a red flag?” the judge in the non-jury trial, state Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, cut in. > > “Based on my expertise,” Flemmons answered, “I would have a lot of questions about it,” he said, adding, “this is a rather glaring issue.” You could knock me over with a feather. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2023, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1490 "2023-11-16T01:10:11Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I’m not a structural engineer Neither am I (but I do know of a Practical Engineer that’s good about answer questions if you email him). However, there’s two wider wooden beams on either side of the door straight ahead from the photographer. I found another picture that shows two more hidden by the vases and at least another pair just out of frame. [Seen here](https://cdn.wedding-spot.com/images/venues/283/Trump%20National%20Golf%20Club%20Wedding%20Briarcliff%20Manor%20NY%20006_Fotor.jpg). Also, from the exterior shots I could find, I didn’t see any buttresses either, at least not the exterior side opposite the windows we’re looking at. I wonder if those aren’t wood, but wood clad steel beams that are sunk down far enough to be able to hold back the load. Especially if there’s steel beams connecting them around the top as well…maybe? ---
**Author:** ![Tride](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tride/32/13907_2.png) [@Tride](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tride)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1491 "2023-11-16T01:17:02Z")
They all look like flitch beams–wood sandwiched with steel. Which is good, but that area (Miami/Dade) is the gold standard for wind load–160 mph, I believe. Nowadays it would have to be a complete steel moment frame. Wasn’t MAL built a hundred years ago? ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1492 "2023-11-16T01:21:35Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > One of Trump’s first witnesses … uh … may not have proved as helpful to Trump’s defense as Trump, et al., may have hoped: I like how it is described as “creative math”. I missed that class. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2023, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1493 "2023-11-16T01:35:17Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#): > > You could knock me over with a feather. This is why I’m not surprised if there are settlement discussions going on. But if there are, they will not have been initiated by the New York Attorney General’s office. Trump’s team is probably searching desperately for a way for this case to settle ahead of the judge’s verdict for several reasons: 1. Trump knows this is not going to end well for him. And one thing we know about Trump is that he’s ever so tough. Right up until the time he knows he’s going down. Then he settles. Remember Trump University, for one. This is a habitual course of conduct for him in civil cases. 2. Why pay for the cost of putting on a losing defense if he can settle the case? At least Trump will save on expert witness/attorneys’ fees and costs. (To think Trump is paying for Mr. Flemmons’ testimony!) 3. With a settlement, Trump can spin the outcome any way he likes. Of course he’s spinning the trial as well, but anyone who’s paying the least attention knows he’s full of shit. With the trial over and no more eyes on the proceedings, it’s a lot easier to spin. Unfortunately for the Trump team, the AG has no incentive to settle other than to save the court further time and effort in disposing of this case. This court has already invested a lot of time and effort into hearing it, however, and a few more weeks aren’t that big of a deal. AIUI, the case will be finished on December 18th, by Judge Engoron’s order. Or at least, his strong suggestion. Less than a month to go – and Trump paying through the nose the whole time, for an easily-predicted outcome. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1494 "2023-11-16T01:44:46Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Less than a month to go I’m sure that part of the lawyers’ desire to pursue a settlement is motivated by a fear that donald just can’t keep his shit together for another month. It’s just a matter of time before he ends up held in contempt, or has a public meltdown. I mean, he’s _really_ on the edge of it right now. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2023, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1495 "2023-11-16T01:45:47Z")
Well, we will be able to witness it. There’s no way this case is going to settle at this stage! ---
**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:** [November 16, 2023, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1496 "2023-11-16T01:58:07Z")
Is it common for the defense to propose a settlement? That seems odd. ---
**Author:** ![dougrb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/76d3ee/32.png) [@dougrb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougrb)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1497 "2023-11-16T02:03:21Z")
In a comedy skit. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2023, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1498 "2023-11-16T02:05:10Z")
It is common for either side to instigate settlement discussions in both civil and criminal cases. They usually come from whichever side feels the most vulnerable. Most settlement discussions occur in advance of the trial, but those discussions can continue up to the time of a verdict. Criminal cases often settle even after a jury is picked and witnesses are actively testifying. Reopening settlement discussions can come from either side. I recall one very memorable civil trial where settlement discussions instigated by the defense occurred throughout the time the jury was deliberating. The offer racheted up by about a million dollars for each day of deliberation. The plaintiff’s lawyer gritted his teeth and each day turned down the ever-increasing offer. “We’ll wait for the jury’s verdict,” he said. He made the right choice and the verdict favored his client beyond what had been offered. But I’ll never forget hearing his huge sob of relief as I read the verdict. ---
**Author:** ![excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e8c25b/32.png) [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1499 "2023-11-16T02:11:26Z")
> [@Tride](#): > > They all look like flitch beams–wood sandwiched with steel. Which is good, but that area (Miami/Dade) is the gold standard for wind load–160 mph, I believe. Nowadays it would have to be a complete steel moment frame. Wasn’t MAL built a hundred years ago? That picture is of Trump National Westchester, Briarcliff Manor, NY. Not MAL. ---
**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:** [November 16, 2023, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1500 "2023-11-16T02:26:55Z")
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#): > > That picture is of Trump National Westchester, Briarcliff Manor, NY. Not MAL. That’s what it is, and I’m assuming it’s the one being discussed in court based on the sketch. [![](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/11/13/b1af4a38-7d35-4a9f-85df-c16e90f3b700.jpg) ](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/live-experience/cps/624/cpsprodpb/vivo/live/images/2023/11/13/b1af4a38-7d35-4a9f-85df-c16e90f3b700.jpg) ETA, or maybe I got it wrong? [![](https://partyslate.imgix.net/photos/927703/photo-4c7d1902-7f66-42e4-9021-7c8f5157301a.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=compress%2Cformat) ](https://partyslate.imgix.net/photos/927703/photo-4c7d1902-7f66-42e4-9021-7c8f5157301a.jpg?ixlib=js-2.3.2&auto=compress%2Cformat) It’s hard to find a good picture without a wedding party standing in front of it. ETA2, I was wrong, it’s Doral. This appears to be the first and second floor of the round area from that resort: [![](https://res.cloudinary.com/trump-hotels/image/upload/x_0,y_0,w_15112,h_5935,c_crop/c_fill,w_1440,ar_8:3/v1522344097/scs8xhg1xxzgfgfahpwo.jpg) ](https://res.cloudinary.com/trump-hotels/image/upload/x_0,y_0,w_15112,h_5935,c_crop/c_fill,w_1440,ar_8:3/v1522344097/scs8xhg1xxzgfgfahpwo.jpg) [![](https://res.cloudinary.com/trump-hotels/image/upload/x_180,y_100,w_3240,h_1798,c_crop/c_fill,w_2000,ar_2000:1333/v1522781988/sgo8lvh9zzzsanwtunxv.jpg) ](https://res.cloudinary.com/trump-hotels/image/upload/x_180,y_100,w_3240,h_1798,c_crop/c_fill,w_2000,ar_2000:1333/v1522781988/sgo8lvh9zzzsanwtunxv.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2023, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991/1501 "2023-11-16T02:30:13Z")
I know there is a lot of smoke and mirrors obscuring any clear view, but is anyone aware of any credible-appearing accounting of what these lawsuits are costing Trump, vs how much he is able to fleece the faithful, how his various businesses are doing, and the implications on his net worth of a loss in the NY trial? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991.md?page=74) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ny-ag-letitia-james-drops-the-civil-hammer-on-trump-family-9-21-2022/971991.md?page=76)