WASHINGTON - Jan. 5, 2021 - A second formal criminal complaint, alleging that President Donald Trump violated at least three Georgia election laws, has been filed with Attorney General Chris Carr.

The original criminal complaint, filed with the State Election Board, was not pursued because of a possible conflict of interest, but did prompt the Fulton County District Attorney to suggest the Trump may have committed felonies, and to argue that the state attorney general also had jurisdiction over this matter.

Both complaints were filed by public interest law professor John Banzhaf, who played a major role in obtaining a special prosecutor to investigate President Richard M. Nixon, and successfully sued former vice president Spiro T. Agnew. He has also filed complaints against other public figures including former congressman Barney Frank, former congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro, and Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby.

Fani Willis, the district attorney for Fulton County, in announcing a criminal investigation, has promised that "anyone who commits a felony violation of Georgia law in my jurisdiction will be held accountable."

Her office also has stated that the Attorney General of Georgia also has jurisdiction over this matter.

Banzhaf notes that violations of state criminal laws could be crucial in Trump's case, since he cannot pardon himself for actions which constitute crimes under state laws, nor could he be pardoned by Mike Pence should Trump resign before his term ends and Pence become president.

Indeed, Banzhaf notes that Trump's telephone call may also constitute a crime under federal law; for example 52 USC 20511: VOTING AND ELECTIONS, Criminal penalties.

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