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Trump is currently on trial for falsifying financial records. New York law apparently requires him to be present during the trial.

What happens if Trump decides he's not going to attend anyway? It looks like similar things have happened in the past - c.f. this Politics SE question where Trump aides defied subpoenas to testify - and nothing seems to have happened. But "nothing happens" seems like it makes the law toothless, and besides, Trump wouldn't be complaining about not being able to campaign while the trial is in progress.

I'm looking for a legal answer.

Allure
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2 Answers2

5

Yes, but …

  1. If he waives his right, and the prosecution doesn’t object, the court may allow him not to be there.

  2. If he’s too disruptive, he can be barred by the court.

I would expect that if Trump doesn’t want to be there, he’ll do the paperwork, the prosecution won’t object, and the court will allow it.

Dale M
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In addition to the options set forth in the correct answer of DaleM (and the correct comment to that answer by Trish), the Court can issue a warrant for his arrest and stop the trial in the meantime while he is arrested, if it wants to do so.

ohwilleke
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