The arraignment seems to be taking a lot longer than these things usually go. Wisely, the judge decided not to have cameras running the courtroom to limit the potential for theatrics, but the specific charges are not yet in the public eye until the proceeding is over.<p>The case # is 71543-23 and paper copies of the indictment have been released to reporters, so it'll probably be available in the next hour or two. Reporters who were in court said it's a barebones indictment with 34 felony (class E) counts of falsifying business records, along with a 'statement of facts' summarizing the case. No gag orders from the court, but judge admonished both parties to restrain their rhetoric in public statements.<p>Update, here's the indictment: <a href="https://www.manhattanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Donald-J.-Trump-Indictment.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.manhattanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Donal...</a><p>...and the statement of facts: <a href="https://www.manhattanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Donald-J.-Trump-SOF.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://www.manhattanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Donal...</a>
So much for equality under law. People spend weeks without being released on their own recognizance even for petty traffic violations.<p>Handcuffs, orange suits and sleeping on concrete for days for the rest of us.<p>Why bother to begin with?<p>Which in your opinion is worse? The guilty getting away with their crimes or being punished unequally with high profile defendants getting the "white glove" treatment and a joke of a sentence? Delayed justice is better than an open mockery of it like this.<p>If he is accused of a crime treat him like any criminal would get treated in that situation and jurisdiction(assuring his safety of course by giving him a private cell and allowing secret service). If he is guilty then his prior role as president or his wealth and age should not be a factor in sentencing.<p>It shouldn't matter how it appears or the riots and outrage and public opinion it might cause.
I only see this backfiring in the most unexpected and hilarious way possible.<p>I certainly hope everyone cheering for this has considered the possibility of what happens if nothing comes of this case and Trump wins in 2024.