Donald Trump has been given restrictions in relation to the allegations he faces in Georgia under an investigation into alleged criminal attempts to rig the 2020 election results, along with a $200,000 bond.
Judge Scott McAfee of Fulton County Superior Court set the former president’s bond on Monday, the first time Trump has been subject to such a condition in any of the four criminal cases he is facing.
Trump was informed by Judge McAfee that he is not permitted to make “direct or indirect threat of any nature against the community or to any property in the community,” including in “posts on social media or reposts of posts” on social media, or to “otherwise obstruct the administration of justice” by trying to intimidate any co-defendant or witness in the case.
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Donald Trump’s Bond Conditions in Full:
President Trump was released after turning himself in to Fulton County authorities under specific terms, including a large $200,000 bond.
These rules aim to curtail any actions that could be seen as attempts to intimidate co-defendants or witnesses or obstruct the course of justice.
This includes abstaining from making direct or implied threats against parties to the case, the neighbourhood, or community assets both in person and online.
The language of the bond order, crafted by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, explicitly addresses the prohibition of social media posts or reposts that could potentially infringe upon these conditions.
Legal professionals disagree on whether a single offence would automatically trigger pretrial detention. Experts feel that unless the infraction is especially serious, a more measured response may be expected given the logistical difficulties and security risks associated with imprisoning a former president.
Before using arrest warrants or pretrial custody, judges often look into alternative options to ensure compliance with bond orders, Georgia State University Law professor Caren Morrison told NBC News. Instead of quickly remanding them, the goal is to give them a chance to change their behaviour.
The potential of more severe consequences, however, rises, the law expert asserts, if President Trump’s actions continue or reoccur.
A hearing might be scheduled if President Trump publishes content on social media that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis deems to be dangerous. The activity in question would be examined by Judge McAfee at this hearing to see if it actually violates the release conditions.
