During an interview that took place early in the morning on Friday, Joe Tacopina, the attorney for former President Donald Trump, reportedly stated that he does not anticipate that his client will be placed in handcuffs when he turns himself in to New York law enforcement officials the following week.
In addition he also claimed that Trump would not be taking part in any plea deals in the case.
“There’s no crime. I don’t know if it’s gonna make it to trial because we have substantial legal challenges.” Tacopina said.
“This is unprecedented in this country’s history. I don’t know what to expect other than an arraignment. I understand they’re going to be closing off blocks around the courthouse, shutting down the courthouse. You know, we’ll go in there and we’ll proceed to see a judge at some point, plead not guilty, start talking about filing motions, which we will do immediately and very aggressively regarding the legal viability of this case.” he continued.
The indictment is the result of a five-year investigation that centered on an alleged $130,000 hush money payment made to porn actress Stormy Daniels.
The investigation looked into whether or not the money was improperly recorded in business records, as well as whether or not the improper recording was used to cover up or commit a second crime.
According to a story from The New York Times, which came out while the indictment is still under seal, Trump is facing charges on more than two dozen counts.
The revelation comes at the same time as a story from The Wall Street Journal stating that the office of District Attorney Alvin Bragg has begun investigating an alleged payment of $150,000 made to a former model for Playboy, Karen McDougal.
A federal investigation is being conducted into Trump’s efforts to remain in power after the 2020 election, a criminal investigation is being conducted in Georgia related to allegations of meddling in the 2020 election, and a third federal investigation is being conducted into Trump’s handling of United States government records after he leaves office.
All of these investigations pose additional legal risks for Trump going forward.
[READ MORE: Manhattan DA Claims House GOP Committing ‘Unlawful’ Interference in Trump Investigation]