The defense is presenting its case, scheduled to end on December 11, with the testimony of Donald Trump. I am sure that Donald Trump has been thoroughly coached on how to respond to questions.

Prosecution has not decided to present a rebuttal, but if it does, it will be concluded in on December 12. There will be no closing arguments in court, but the attorneys will submit them in writing by January 6. Oral arguments will take place on January 11. Then, we wait for a decision.

Judge Engoron stated he hopes to file his written decision by the end of January. Of course, it won’t be pretty. In a summary judgement in September, the Judge ruled that Trump organization was guilty of fraud. This is really the punishment phase of the case. Regardless of the decision, Donald Trump will appeal.

The Court of Appeals re-instated the Judge’s gag order. I am not sure how long the gag order will be in place, but it was needed after Trump attacked the Judge’s clerk, so it may last for a long time.

The E. Jean Carroll defamation case, part 2, begins January 16. It is noted that Trump actually sued Carroll, claiming she defamed him. The case has been dismissed, but Trump (as usual) is appealing the decision. Trump is not required to appear in court. The jury will decide whether to increase Carroll’s original award of 5 million dollars in damages.

While Trump can sit out the defamation case, his presence will be required in the upcoming criminal cases, namely the January 6 case scheduled to begin in Washington on March 4 and the hush money case, scheduled to begin in Manhattan on March 25. The documents case should follow in May, and the Georgia Rico case could be pushed to after the elections. Unlike all other cases, the Georgia case will be televised. Unless they can cut more deals, it will be a bit crazy with all the defendants their lawyers and the media.

Every single case will be appealed, so these cases will extend into 2025. The RICO case appeals could go even longer.

Stay tuned,

Dave