Michael Cohen and the Consequences of Lying to Congress
The case of Michael Cohen, a former Trump lawyer and one-time personal lawyer of President Donald Trump, is a cautionary tale for anyone under a plea bargain. This article delves into the potential consequences if Cohen is found to be lying to Congress, and explores the broader implications for those who break the terms of their plea deals.
What Could Happen if Michael Cohen Lied Again?
It is not a question of if but rather when Michael Cohen will be proven to be lying again. The lying liberal press will probably ignore such findings, continuing their attacks on former President Trump. However, admitting to a lie, even a small one, would immediately violate a critical term of Cohen's plea bargain, a contract where individuals agree to plead guilty in exchange for promises from the prosecution.
Material Lies and Immediate Consequences
According to legal experts, even one deliberate lie, no matter how small, can nullify the original plea agreement. A single material lie, on the other hand, would see Michael Cohen facing serious consequences. The consequences would be identical to those faced by others who have violated their plea deals, such as former political consultant Paul Manafort. Manafort, who was found to have lied, is now facing the harshest repercussions, spending his life behind bars. His plea deal is now void, and he could be charged with all the crimes that were previously dropped.
Penalties and Sentencing
Under these circumstances, Michael Cohen would face the same fate—imprisonment without parole, significantly more than his previous sentence of three years. Although his earlier convictions were in New York courts, his current conviction would likely be in federal courts, subject to stricter and more severe penalties.
No Incentive to Lie
Michael Cohen does not have any incentive to lie to protect himself, as he has already been convicted. However, if he were to lie to Congress, this would be a new felony charge against him, extending his sentence further. A knowledgeable legal expert can confirm the specific differences between state and federal prisons, but the general understanding is that federal prisons are more strict and serious environments.
Consequences if Cohen is Found Lying to Congress Again
While the legal frameworks in place may seem stringent, the enforcement of these laws against individuals like Cohen, who belong to the opposing political faction, often appears to be selective. There have been calls for a more even-handed approach from legal and political circles, pointing out the discrepancy between the treatment of individuals from different political backgrounds.
Conclusion
Warren Buffett, known for his shrewd business acumen, infamously quipped that it's better to be a virgin in Las Vegas than to haverelations (a play on words, effectively referring to a favorable deal) with Michael Cohen.
While the exact nature of Cohen's plea bargain is a subject of ongoing debate, the implications of a violation are clear: mandatory jail time with negotiations over the specifics. The legal process is complex, and any agreements with prosecutors are subject to enforcement and challenges. As the case unfolds, one thing is certain: the motivations and consequences for those under plea agreements remain heavily contested and subject to scrutiny.