Everything you need to know about Donald Trump’s arrest and booking in Atlanta this week

In a significant turn of events, former President Donald Trump has announced his voluntary surrender at the Fulton County jail in Georgia on Thursday. This marks the fourth criminal case faced by Trump, with the current charge involving his alleged conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results. This article delves into the expected sequence of events surrounding Trump’s surrender and arrest, shedding light on everything you need to know about his booking and subsequent proceedings.

One may wonder what precisely transpires when Trump surrenders himself voluntarily. Despite surrendering willingly, all defendants are technically arrested through a process known as booking. With the current case implicating Trump and 18 other co-defendants in an attempt to manipulate the 2020 presidential election results, they are expected to undergo the booking procedure at the infamous Fulton County Jail in downtown Atlanta. Recognized for its substandard conditions and mismanagement history, defendants typically spend several hours being processed. However, given Trump’s prominent stature and the global attention surrounding this case, his stay at the county jail is expected to be brief.

When defendants are booked at the county jail, a series of procedures are followed, including searching, weighing, conducting a brief medical screening, fingerprinting, and capturing their photo, commonly known as the mug shot. However, as a former president being booked is unprecedented, it remains unclear how this process will unfold for Trump and his high-profile co-defendants, such as his former White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows. Notably, Fulton County’s booking of someone under Secret Service protection, particularly a former U.S. president, remains uncharted territory.

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat has revealed that Trump will be treated on par with any other criminal defendant being processed into the county’s criminal justice system, irrespective of his status. Labat emphasized the availability of a mug shot, stating that it applies to all defendants. However, the release of Trump’s mug shot and any modifications to the standard booking process may be subject to negotiation by Trump’s legal team and the conditions of his surrender and processing.

Trump’s surrender will be Thursday, he says

Trump confirmed Monday on his Truth Social platform that he’s going to Atlanta on Thursday to face law enforcement officials. In the post, he accused Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Department of Justice officials of seeking to target his 2024 reelection campaign without evidence.  

“Can you believe it? I’ll be going to Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday to be ARRESTED,” Trump shared.

Also, Trump’s lawyers agreed Monday to post $200,000 as a condition of his release, including $80,000 for racketeering and $10,000 for each of his other 12 counts. That means Trump needs to pony up only $20,000 to remain free before his trial on racketeering and other charges. As part of the deal, Trump was ordered to abide by pre-trial conditions that include not breaking any laws, not intimidating witnesses and not communicating with the 18 other co-defendants.

The deadline for Trump and the other defendants to surrender and face justice is noon on Friday. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis purposefully provided a two-week window for self-surrender, allowing their lawyers to collaborate with authorities for a smooth process. According to the statement from Labat’s office, Trump and the other 18 defendants are anticipated to be booked at the Rice Street Jail. However, Labat acknowledges that unforeseen circumstances may necessitate changes to the arrangements, given the unprecedented nature of this case.

When will Trump have to appear in court?

That’s not clear yet, at least publicly.

The initial processing is separate from the arraignment, when defendants enter a formal plea to the charges. Arraignments, in this case are expected the week of Sept. 5.

In the meantime, Trump and his criminal co-defendants may not have to appear in court at all.

In an announcement on his Truth Social platform, Trump confirmed his arrival in Atlanta on Thursday to face law enforcement officials. In the same post, he expressed his belief that the District Attorney and Department of Justice are targeting his potential 2024 reelection campaign baselessly. To secure his release, Trump’s lawyers have agreed to post $200,000, with $80,000 allocated for racketeering charges and $10,000 for each of the remaining 12 counts. Trump is only required to provide $20,000 to remain free until his trial, along with adhering to pre-trial conditions, including refraining from illegal activities, witness intimidation, and communication with co-defendants.

The precise dates for court appearances and arraignments have yet to be made public. Arraignments, where defendants formally enter their pleas, are anticipated to occur during the week of September 5th. It is possible that, in unique situations, defendants may not need to appear physically in court, as negotiations for bond and pretrial conditions may have already taken place. Additionally, virtual arraignments may be implemented as required by the presiding judge, as indicated by the sheriffs’ office statement.