Former New York mayor and Donald Trump’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was mandated to post a $10,000 bond after avoiding service of court documents related to accusations of election interference. Giuliani, who appeared by phone, labeled the case “completely political” and entered a not guilty plea. Maricopa County Judge Shellie Smith gave Giuliani 30 days to post the bond in Arizona.
Giuliani is among 18 defendants charged by Arizona’s Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes. All defendants, including Giuliani, pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearance. While the other defendants were released without bond, Giuliani faced challenges from prosecutors who claimed difficulty in contacting him, suggesting he was evading service. Giuliani was eventually served after his 80th birthday party in Florida.
Prosecutor Nicholas Klingerman argued that Giuliani showed “no intent to comply with legal process in Arizona.” Giuliani refuted claims of evasion, citing security concerns for restricted access to his New York residence. He expressed disdain for the indictment, considering it an “embarrassment to the American legal system,” but affirmed his compliance with legal proceedings.
The charges against Giuliani and others include conspiracy, fraud, and forgery, stemming from attempts to appoint a pro-Trump elector slate in Arizona, challenging the 2020 election certification. Trump, who continues to make unfounded fraud claims, faces two criminal trials on related charges. The trial is set for October 17, ahead of the November presidential election, where Trump is not a defendant in the Arizona case.
Notably, other prominent figures like former Trump lawyer Christina Bobb and ex-Arizona Republican Chair Kelli Ward also appeared in court, with Trump advisor John Eastman pleading not guilty earlier.
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