Former NYC Mayor Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Charges in Arizona
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and ten others, including former Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward, pleaded not guilty to felony charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Arizona.
Remote Arraignment and Trial Dates
The arraignment was conducted remotely in a Phoenix courtroom. Giuliani and Ward are scheduled to stand trial on October 17, just a few weeks before the U.S. election.
Giuliani’s Assertion and Legal Process
Giuliani claimed he did not have an attorney at the time of the arraignment but expressed his intention to acquire one. Despite not having a copy of the indictment, Giuliani stated that he was aware of the charges brought against him.
Service of Indictment and Required Bond
Arizona authorities faced challenges in serving Giuliani with the indictment, finally succeeding on a Friday night in Florida. The prosecutor requested a $10,000 cash bond due to the difficulties in serving Giuliani, who was required to post it and appear in Arizona within 30 days.
Felony Charges and Allegations
Arizona unveiled felony charges against Republicans who falsely declared Trump had won the state. The indictment accused Ward of orchestrating fake electors and pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to recognize them as legitimate, despite no legal challenges altering Arizona’s election outcome.
Legal Proceedings and Dismissed Lawsuits
Several individuals, including Giuliani and Ward, were arraigned in court, with others scheduled for future appearances. The lawsuit filed by fake Arizona electors seeking to overturn Biden’s victory was dismissed for lack of factual basis.
Upcoming Arraignments and Defendants
Additional arraignments are set for various individuals involved in the case, including state Sen. Jake Hoffman, former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and Trump attorney Boris Epshteyn.
Read More of this Story at apnews.com – 2024-05-21 18:55:00
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