NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump appeared by video in a New York courtroom and the judge set a tentative trial date for the end of March next year.
The hearing lasted about 15 minutes.
The video was muted for most of the hearing, allowing Trump to consult with his attorney, Todd Blanche, who was sitting next to him in Florida, in front of a row of American flags.
Trump pleaded not guilty last month.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Juan Merchan reviewed an order that prohibited Trump from disseminating certain evidence turned over by the prosecution.
Trump was exempted from appearing in person, avoiding the massive logistical and security difficulties that accompanied his appearance last month. Instead, the former president appeared by video and his face appeared on the monitors in the courtroom.
Trump is allowed to speak publicly about the case, under Merchan’s order, but could be held in contempt if he uses evidence turned over by prosecution to harass witnesses or others involved in the case.
Trump pleaded not guilty April 4 to 34 criminal counts of falsifying financial documents related to payments his company made to his former attorney, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors say those payments were to compensate Cohen for paying women not to discuss extramarital affairs the women say they had with Trump. Trump denies that such relations occurred and affirms that the process against him is political.
Merchan’s order prohibits Trump and his lawyers from disseminating evidence to third parties or posting it on social media. It also requires that certain materials be viewed only by Trump’s lawyers, and not by Trump himself.
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2023-05-23 19:29:10
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