Lawyers for former President Donald Trump filed two briefs with the Appellate Division First Department in New York, arguing against the civil fraud case prosecuted against Trump earlier this year. They claimed that the case was flawed, had surpassed the statute of limitations, and that there were no victims. Trump’s attorneys argued that his business partners benefitted from the transactions and that no deception took place. They disputed the valuation of Mar-a-Lago, stating that the property is worth over one billion dollars, not the $18-27 million as claimed in court.
New York state lawyers, on the other hand, urged the appeals court to uphold the nearly $500 million fine imposed on Trump, stating that there is overwhelming evidence of fraud and illegality in Trump’s financial statements. They argued that the appeal was full of meritless legal arguments and ignored evidence presented during the trial.
A separate brief filed by Trump’s attorneys related to sanctions imposed on the trial attorneys, arguing that the sanctions were imposed unfairly for making good faith legal arguments. They asserted that it is appropriate for attorneys to make arguments even if a trial judge disagrees, in order to preserve them for appellate review.
Oral arguments before the Appellate Court are scheduled to begin on September 26th. This updates a months-long appeals saga following a judge’s ruling that Trump and his family engaged in a scheme to inflate his assets improperly.
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