Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is seeking the maximum $1,000 fine per social media post for former President Donald Trump, alleging he violated a gag order in his pending criminal trial over hush money payments.
The gag order bars Trump from publicly discussing witnesses and lawyers involved in the case.
“Upon a finding of criminal contempt, the Judiciary Law authorizes a court to impose a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to sentence the contemnor to no more than 30 days jail or both, in the discretion of the court,” the brief read.
Prosecutors introduced a motion on Monday claiming Trump had violated this order in social media posts, and followed up on Tuesday requesting the maximum fine as well as warning that further violations could result in 30 days in jail.
Trump has denied wrongdoing and argued the case infringes on his free speech, while prosecutors and Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen assert the posts in question could influence the trial.
“When does enough become enough and the petulant man child gets a time out in lockup for his bad behavior?” Cohen said.
A judge will hear arguments on the alleged gag order violations on April 23rd.
“Judge Merchan’s unconstitutional Gag Order prevents President Trump—the leading candidate for President of the United States—from engaging in core political speech, which is entitled to the highest level of protection under the First Amendment,” Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said.
