Former President Donald Trump’s indictment charges

Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on 37 counts and obstruction of a federal investigation. It’s the first time a former president has faced federal charges.

According to the indictment, Trump violated the Espionage Act by the mishandling of classified documents. Former U.S Attorney Paul Charlton spoke about the gravity of Trump’s charges.

Charlton said the documents exposed by Trump included plans for nuclear weapons and plans to invade a foreign country. Trump is considered a low flight-risk because he is so well-known and plans to campaign in the next presidential election.

“What we are going to hear in a speech this evening, what we have heard in the past and what I’ll expect we will hear in the future, are defenses put forward with a political view. None of those defenses, if any at all, will ever work within the four corners of a courtroom,” Charlton said.

Charlton said Trump may not go to trial for these charges, and that his lawyers will likely delay it until after the next presidential election.

“The greatest hope for former President Trump is a pardon at the end of the day,” Charlton said.

Charlton said the case against Trump is very complicated, and it will take time for lawyers to get clearance to see the classified documents and receive intelligence briefings.

“This trial isn’t going to happen quickly and may not happen at all if there is a pardon,” Charlton said.

In order for Trump to be convicted, it must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to each and every juror.