Thread by @lawofruby

Folks have been asking me, since this story broke, "Why is Fani Willis waiting until at least July 11 to announce her charging decision?" That's a reasonable question--and I *think* there's a logical explanation. 1/

https://twitter.com/TamarHallerman/status/1650600988925894659

Recall that last week, Willis's office moved to disqualify a lawyer representing 10 of Georgia's fake electors. They had two grounds: First, that she did not, contrary to representations by her then-co-counsel, communicate immunity offers to certain of her clients. 2/

Second, they revealed that in meetings with prosecutors on 4/12 and 4/14, certain of that lawyer's clients accused another fake elector -- and fellow client -- of committing "acts that are violations of Georgia law." 3/

Because of the "impracticable and ethical mess" the lawyer created, the D.A.'s office has moved to disqualify her from representing ANY of the 10 electors, all of whom were notified last year they were targets of the investigation. 4/

That means 10 people -- some of whom remain targets, others of whom are cooperators or exploring cooperation -- likely need new lawyers. 5/

And here's where it gets really interesting: In Fulton County, GA, the terms of the court run for two months and begin each of the first Mondays in January, March, May, July, September, and November. 6/

law.justia.com/codes/georgia/…

And given that Willis does not know how soon a court will resolve the disqualification motion, she also might be hesitant to bring her case before a regular grand jury now. Once she starts, she has roughly eight weeks, and she can't afford to blow it. 7/

My guess, therefore, is that Willis remains confident in her case and eager to move forward, but for this new wrinkle that might not be solved within the week--but should be in the rear-view mirror by July 11. FIN

p.s. Are you a Georgia criminal defense practitioner or law professor? I'd love to hear from you. Please weigh in!

p.p.s. Help us, @AnnaBower. You're our only hope (of *truly* understanding what went down today in Fulton County).