Former President Donald Trump is set to surrender himself on Thursday at the Fulton County jail. He has made arrangements to pay a $200,000 bond as part of the case against him. The charges pertain to his alleged illegal efforts to overturn the outcome of Georgia’s 2020 election. The decision for surrender was reached after discussions with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ team, as stated by the former president himself on Truth Social.
Trump alleged that Willis was collaborating with the Department of Justice under “Crooked Joe Biden’s DOJ” in what he characterized as a witch hunt. The 77-year-old’s decision to turn himself in was initially covered by CNN.
On Monday, the consent bond directive from Trump was unveiled in a submission to the Fulton County Superior Court. This bond directive received the signatures of Judge Scott McAfee, District Attorney Fani Willis, and representatives from Trump’s legal advisors.
As per the terms of the arrangement, the leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination will provide the court with an $80,000 bond for his release in relation to count 1 of the Georgia grand jury’s indictment. This initial count accuses Trump of breaching the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Moreover, the former president will also need to furnish an additional $10,000 bond for each of the remaining 12 charges outlined in the indictment. These charges encompass allegations of criminal solicitation, criminal conspiracy, submitting false documents, and making false statements.
Trump will have the option to submit the bond in the form of cash, commercial surety, or through the “Fulton County Jail 10% program,” as specified in the submitted document.
Additionally, the previous president is obligated to adhere to both state and federal regulations, make scheduled court appearances, desist from any efforts to intimidate co-defendants or witnesses, and avoid discussing the case’s details with his fellow co-defendants or witnesses.
Lawyers Todd Blanche, Jennifer Little, and Drew Findling, who form part of Trump’s legal defense team, were observed at Willis’ office on Monday while negotiating the terms governing the bond and release stipulations for the 45th president.
On August 14, the former president, along with 18 associates, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, was indicted.
This marks the fourth instance of criminal indictment against Trump subsequent to his departure from office.
Furthermore, bond arrangements were also established on Monday with at least two individuals who are co-defendants alongside Trump.
Attorney John Eastman, who is confronted with seven charges outlined in the indictment, had his bond established at $100,000. Similarly, Republican poll watcher Scott Hall, who is also confronted with seven counts, reached an agreement for a $10,000 bond.
Eastman has intentions to present himself on Wednesday, as stated in a court submission concerning a distinct disciplinary case he is facing with the State Bar of California. The judge overseeing that case expressed a willingness to adjust the trial schedule to accommodate his surrender in Fulton County, Georgia, according to documents obtained by Bloomberg Law.
Fani Willis has granted Trump and his co-defendants until noon on Friday to surrender to authorities. Additionally, she has proposed a trial commencement date of March 4 for the case.
