WASHINGTON, D.C. – Significant development in the ongoing investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged attempts to undermine the 2020 presidential election, former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance has highlighted that Monday serves as the deadline for Special Counsel Jack Smith to notify Trump and his legal team of potential additional charges.
The notification, known as the “404(b) notice,” is designed to inform Trump of any crimes, wrongs, or other actions that the Department of Justice believes he may have committed. Notably, these alleged offenses are distinct from the charges already filed and set to be heard in Judge Tanya Chutkan’s courtroom.
Former U.S. Attorney Vance, shedding light on the 404(b) notice, explained on her Substack platform, “Evidence of a prior crime can be presented to establish motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake, or lack of accident.”
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As the submission of new evidence is imminent, it is crucial to note that Judge Chutkan holds the authority to approve or disapprove the evidence that will be admissible in open court.
Vance, in her analysis, anticipates that Special Counsel Smith will present “important evidence” reinforcing the case related to the January 6th insurrection and its surrounding events. She expects the focus to be on proving Trump’s state of mind regarding election fraud and his purported lack of a genuine belief that his actions wouldn’t lead to the obstructive violence witnessed on January 6.
“Smith will also have to advise Trump about the permitted purpose he believes he can offer any 404(b) evidence for and the reasoning in support of his view. This, coincidentally, forces Smith to educate the public a fair bit more about his case,” Vance added.
As the deadline looms, all eyes are on the developments in this high-stakes legal battle, which continues to shape the narrative around the events of January 6th and their aftermath. The submission and subsequent judicial scrutiny of new evidence could prove pivotal in the trajectory of the case against the former President.
