Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Washington

Presidential crimes

Can an ex-president be charged and

brought to trial for a crime that he

committed while in office?


Asked on 12/14/08, 1:31 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Presidential crimes

Of course. No one is immune from the criminal law. If the president commits a crime while in office, there is no reason why he should be able to escape prosecution either wile he is still on the job or after he returns to private life.

You may recall that Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate break-in. The purpose of a pardon is to spare beneficiary from criminal liability. Had prosecuting Nixon for his alleged crimes not been possible, pardoning him would have accomplished nothing.

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Answered on 12/14/08, 2:11 am
Nasir Butt Nasir Law Associates

Re: Presidential crimes

See the reply of Mr. Edward Hoffman.

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Answered on 12/14/08, 2:35 am


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