Avenatti Gives First Interview Since Incarceration
Prominent attorney Michael Avenatti, infamous for his role in the Stormy Daniels case, has recently given his first interview since being sentenced to prison for fraud and embezzlement. Avenatti rose to national prominence during the Trump presidency for his frequent criticism and promises to put former President Donald Trump behind bars. However, during his appearance on MSNBC with Ari Melber, Avenatti shocked the host by dismantling Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s case against Trump.
In the interview, Avenatti stated that he believed the case against Trump was “the wrong case at the wrong time.” He pointed out that the alleged conduct took place eight years ago and that pursuing the case in state court in New York was a mistake. Avenatti also expressed concern over potentially depriving millions of Americans of their choice for the presidency, regardless of their political beliefs. He suggested that the case should have been brought in federal court and that the delayed timing of the charges was suspicious.
Avenatti then raised concerns about the strength of the case brought forward by Bragg, stating that it had “a-lot of problems.” He criticized the use of COVID-era policies to extend the statute of limitations on a misdemeanor charge of an administrative payment error, and Bragg’s decision to upgrade the charge to a felony, citing a “conspiracy” to commit another crime without specifying what that crime was. Avenatti also pointed out that the same charge had been copy/pasted 33 times, one for each administrative error, and that Trump was facing 37 felony charges.
The disgraced lawyer also expressed disappointment that the January 6th case was not brought forward in a more timely manner. He accused Bragg of “hand-wringing” and “bed-wetting” and suggested that the delay in filing the indictment was unnecessary. Avenatti stated that if the case had been brought in 2021, the situation would not be as precarious as it is now.
He went on to criticize the widely-held belief that the Supreme Court and D.C. appeals courts are biased in favor of Trump. Avenatti stated that he believed the former president would be convicted regardless of the bias against criminal defendants in the justice system. He also expressed concern that Trump would not receive a fair trial in New York, citing the potential for bias among the jury. Avenatti asked those who believe Trump could receive a fair trial in New York if they would still believe that if the case was moved to a more conservative state like Mississippi or Alabama.
Avenatti ended the interview by stating his belief that Trump will be convicted, but not because he is guilty. He stated that the deck is stacked against criminal defendants in our society and that the former president would likely face conviction regardless of the evidence. He also reiterated his belief that Trump could not receive a fair trial in New York and that his conviction was essentially a foregone conclusion.
Meanwhile, legal experts have continuously poked holes in the case brought against Trump by Bragg. They have highlighted the use of COVID-era policies to extend the statute of limitations on an administrative payment error and the lack of specificity in the charges. Critics have also expressed concern over the use of multiple charges for the same alleged crime, suggesting that the strategy may undermine the prosecution’s case. With the trial date looming, it remains to be seen how the case against Trump will unfold and whether Avenatti’s criticisms will hold any weight.