Disciplinary Charges Filed Against Lawyers Linked to Trump’s 2020 Election Challenges
Washington D.C. bar investigators have initiated disciplinary proceedings against three attorneys associated with Sidney Powell’s efforts to legally contest the 2020 election results, as Politico reports. Juli Haller, Lawrence Joseph, and Brandon Johnson face allegations of making knowingly false statements in court during the post-election period.
Details of the Allegations
The charges, made public on Friday, revolve around a series of lawsuits filed after the 2020 election. These lawsuits, deemed baseless by the courts, were filed in states critical to the election’s outcome.
Lawrence Joseph’s Involvement
Joseph played a key role in a lawsuit filed by then-Representative Louie Gohmert against then-Vice President Mike Pence. The lawsuit, which sought to compel Pence to overturn the election results, was ultimately dismissed at various judicial levels, including the Supreme Court on January 6, 2021.
Juli Haller’s Role in the “Kraken” Lawsuits
Haller was a major contributor to Powell’s “Kraken” lawsuits, a term Powell coined for the litigation campaign aimed at reversing Joe Biden’s victories in swing states. Post this involvement, Haller represented individuals charged in the January 6th Capitol riots, including Oath Keeper Kelly Meggs.
Brandon Johnson’s Contribution
Johnson worked alongside Haller on many Powell-related lawsuits, contributing to the legal efforts challenging the election results.
Ongoing Disciplinary Actions Against Trump-Aligned Lawyers
This development is part of a broader trend of disciplinary actions against lawyers who assisted Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election. Notable cases include reprimands and suspensions for lawyers like Jenna Ellis, John Eastman, and Rudy Giuliani in various states.
Potential Consequences and Bar Investigators’ Claims
If found culpable, Haller, Johnson, and Joseph could face sanctions ranging from reprimand to disbarment. Bar investigators have accused them of filing baseless claims about election fraud, particularly concerning allegations of foreign interference with voting machines. These claims were rejected in courts across several states.
Response and Ongoing Proceedings
As of the report, Haller, Johnson, and Joseph had not responded to requests for comment. These charges add to their existing legal challenges in other states, including Michigan, where a federal appeals court upheld sanctions against Powell and her associates.