# What happens if Trump is indicted in Georgia? (Indicted on August 14, 2023) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [February 17, 2023, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928 "2023-02-17T03:14:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 121
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2401 "2024-02-16T17:39:38Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > The thing is, “_withering scrutiny of … professional and private lives_” can take down ANY conceivable person. Except of course you-know-who, whose long, shameful professional and private life has proven impervious to the most withering scrutiny imaginable. It really does boggle the mind. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2402 "2024-02-16T17:42:46Z")
> [@Akaj](#): > > you-know-who, That’s because he’s **in** conceivable. ---
**Author:** ![Akaj](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/akaj/32/145_2.png) [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2403 "2024-02-16T17:44:43Z")
I wish. Unfortunately, he _was_ conceived. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2404 "2024-02-16T18:13:02Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > As a counterpoint, this provides a much more sobering evaluation of the proceedings yesterday. These two _Slate_ writers are generally fair and insightful, and they feel Willis did possibly irreparable harm to her case. They’re also wrong. The one thing they got right is that anyone prosecuting, testifying against, or otherwise inconveniencing the Orange Messiah will be subject to intense scrutiny and vicious attacks and every weakness will be ruthlessly exploited and exaggerated beyond reason. My take on it is that this is why this evidentiary hearing – which would normally be ridiculous – is occurring in the first place. As Judge McAffee said when he declined to dismiss it and allowed it to proceed, one of its purposes is “to establish the record on those core allegations”. If Willis is exonerated and remains on the case, Trumpists can whine all they want but there will be two days of carefully considered public testimony to explain why. Won’t make any difference to Trumpists since by definition they’re immune to reason, but there are a lot of sane voters left in the nation who are actually persuaded by facts. And presumably that will include members of the jury who will pass judgment on these crooks and their orange henchman. . ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2405 "2024-02-16T18:18:22Z")
yes, i believe the judge is leaning toward “no here, here”. if it wasn’t a trial with this much on the line it wouldn’t have gotten this far. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2406 "2024-02-16T18:42:05Z")
Next we’re going to hear that Willis… \< scary music intro \> _Had a laptop._ ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2407 "2024-02-16T19:01:21Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > That’s because he’s **in** conceivable. Before you have dinner this evening, make sure to have the food and beverages tested for iocaine powder. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2408 "2024-02-16T19:05:21Z")
now the judge has ruled that the multiple defence lawyers have not met the burden of proof to pierce the attorney/client privilege. therefore they must step very carefully in their questioning of him. it is not going well for the defence crew. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2409 "2024-02-16T19:08:12Z")
I’m curious when we will hear a judgement from the judge on this. If testimony wraps up today could the judge rule from the bench at the end or will he issue a written opinion? ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2410 "2024-02-16T19:13:54Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I think they’re overreacting. I could be wrong, but I think the Judge will say “no conflict of interest” and that will be the end of it. Me, too. I’ve heard about a dozen experts since yesterday (yeah, I know, I need to get a life) who had the exact opposite assessment. Andrew Weissmann, Barbara McWade, Lisa Rubin, Joyce Vance, people like that with deep experience in this space. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2411 "2024-02-16T19:17:10Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > I’m curious when we will hear a judgement from the judge on this. If testimony wraps up today could the judge rule from the bench at the end or will he issue a written opinion? He can announce a decision immediately with a written opinion and order setting out the findings and rulings later. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2412 "2024-02-16T19:17:16Z")
Some expert yesterday (it’s a blur at this point) said a bench ruling is very unlikely. There will be a lot of thought and care in a written ruling, was the gist. For some reason, this person thought this will get a lot of scrutiny. 😄 ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2413 "2024-02-16T19:17:41Z")
I’d like to associate myself with @rocking_chair admiration and respect for this judge. _That’s_ how it’s done. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2414 "2024-02-16T19:24:05Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > I’m curious when we will hear a judgement from the judge on this. If testimony wraps up today could the judge rule from the bench at the end or will he issue a written opinion? To add to the other replies, I believe McAffee himself said earlier that there will **not** be a ruling today. That could change, of course, if he’s persuaded that no further deliberation is needed. But ISTM that taking some time to consider all the evidence and producing a written opinion adds to the _gravitas_ of the ruling. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2415 "2024-02-16T19:27:05Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Stripped of its bonkers elements, your argument seems to boil down to, “If you’re innocent, you have nothing to hide.” My argument was that there’s a context, middle grounds, and that trite hard rules aren’t good foundations for effective legal council. Yes, there may be things that you’d prefer to hide. There may be witnesses that are so unreliable and error prone that you’re better off to not introduce them into the proceedings, even though what they have to say should be to your favor. But, likewise, there’s good solid, paper evidence that’s fairly unimpeachable. There are punishments that are more severe than mild embarrassment. I’m saying that you have to look at the actual context of all of this and make a reasonable, rational, and learned decision, not write down rules like “Don’t give any information to the opposition” and “If you’re innocent, you have nothing to hide”, put them in a magic eight ball, and let fate decide. Running and jumping to, “You’re already innocent in my mind! You don’t have any duty to defend yourself!” Isn’t good legal council, that’s just being a fanboy. Now, apparently all of that is largely irrelevant to the matter at hand so let’s drop this, but the principal is still true. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2416 "2024-02-16T19:39:24Z")
where is this going? many people eat with people with which they are not in sexual congress. i would think that lawyers often discuss not romantic things together over meals. i would think nothing of a meal meeting. i don’t know where this person is going with this like of questioning. ah, he is trying to do a go around the attorney/client privilege. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2417 "2024-02-16T19:40:36Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > But ISTM that taking some time to consider all the evidence and producing a written opinion adds to the _gravitas_ of the ruling. That’s my feeling too. As I understand things, Judge McAfee didn’t have to hear this motion, but he did. Now, Trump’s side cannot claim that he was being unfair by not hearing it. My opinion is that the same thing will happen here. Rush to a decision, and some will claim that he didn’t consider it as carefully as he should have or he had his mind made up before all testimony was finished, or both. I don’t know, but I think that he’s being as careful as possible, in order to forestall any claims of recklessness or impropriety. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 16, 2024, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2418 "2024-02-16T19:42:31Z")
he is a good judge. very good control of this hearing and the trial hearings over all. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2419 "2024-02-16T19:52:41Z")
> [@Spoons](#): > > My opinion is that the same thing will happen here. Rush to a decision, and some will claim that he didn’t consider it as carefully as he should have or he had his mind made up before all testimony was finished, or both. I don’t know, but I think that he’s being as careful as possible, in order to forestall any claims of recklessness or impropriety. Much like Engoron. These are experienced and capable judges who know that every possible avenue for an appeal will be attempted. ---
**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:** [February 16, 2024, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928/2420 "2024-02-16T19:53:09Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > ah, he is trying to do a go around the attorney/client privilege. That has to be at least part of it. Establishing that the relationship began _much_ earlier than the Willis-Wade testimony could also do two things: - Impeach much of their testimony, and - Create a perception that this was collusive, with the goal of putting State money in Wade’s hands, a percentage of which inured to the direct (and corrupt) benefit of Willis, the DA. [and that’s without regard to whether or not Joycelyn Wade, Nathan’s ((STB)ex-) wife stands to benefit based on timing] Is he getting anywhere? IMHO, not yet. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928.md?page=120) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-trump-is-indicted-in-georgia-indicted-on-august-14-2023/979928.md?page=122)