Donald Trump has been charged with launching a “criminal enterprise” to illegally overturn the 2020 election.
It is the fourth set of criminal charges brought against Trump in recent months.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis brought 13 counts against Trump and 18 of his associates after claiming the former president demanded that officials “find” the extra votes to reverse President Biden’s victory.
Other charges included forgery and racketeering, which is most often used to target members of organised crime groups.
It is the fourth set of criminal charges brought against Trump in recent months
Reuters
It is the first time a former US president faces charges used to target members of organised crime groups, which were once implemented to convict mob bosses John Gotti and Vincent Gigante.
Willis, a Democrat, has used the state's racketeering laws for high-profile prosecutions previously.
In the US, organised criminal activity is frequently prosecuted under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act.
According to the Rico Act it is a crime to take part in, acquire or maintain control of an "enterprise" through a "pattern of racketeering activity" or to conspire to do so.
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Punishments under Georgia's Rico Act are harsh with prison terms between five and 20 years, or fines of up to $250,000 (£197,000).
In order to convict Trump, Anthony Michael Kreis, a law professor at Georgia State University said prosecutors will have to show the former president was "not some kind of passive participant" following legal advice, but the man "driving the bus".
An audio call emerged in January 2021 of Trump speaking to Georgia's secretary of state in which he suggested election officials could "find" the votes he needed to win.
Trump is already facing federal charges from the US Department of Justice over his false election claims.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis brought 13 counts against Trump and 18 of his associates after claiming the former president demanded that officials 'find' the extra votes to reverse President Biden’s victory
Reuters
Trump's most serious allegations include plotting to overturn his election loss, giving way for the US Capitol riots.
He denies the claims and says they are politically motivated.
In a statement, the Trump campaign said: "They could have brought this two and a half years ago, yet they chose to do this for election interference reasons in the middle of President Trump's successful campaign.
"The legal double standard set against President Trump must end."
