(FiveNation.com)- As Steve Bannon’s trial was underway last week, his attorney David Schoen warned in an interview that what is happening to Bannon could happen to anyone.
In an interview with Breitbart News last Tuesday, Schoen explained the defense’s argument that Bannon is being punished for taking the advice of his previous lawyer by waiting for the court to decide on his claims of executive privilege before responding to the January 6 committee subpoena.
Schoen explained that when you get subpoenaed, you should be able to depend on the advice of counsel. He said Bannon did nothing wrong; all he did was follow the advice of his attorney.
On Wednesday, after calling only two witnesses, the prosecution rested its case. Bannon’s attorneys told US District Judge Carl Nichols that the defense would not call any witnesses or present a case.
Schoen told the judge that while Steve Bannon wanted to speak in his own defense, on the advice of counsel, he would not do so since he “would be barred from testifying about his reliance on the advice” from his former counsel Robert Costello.
Speaking for the first time in court, Bannon confirmed to the judge that he was waiving his right to testify.
With the defense not presenting a case, on Friday morning, both sides offered their closing arguments before the case was handed to the jury.
During his closing arguments, defense lawyer Evan Corcoran argued that the January 6 committee’s subpoena deadlines were only placeholders as lawyers from both sides were negotiating the final terms of cooperation. Corcoran accused the select committee of a rush to judgment, claiming the contempt charge was designed to “make an example of Steve Bannon.”
After less than three hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Bannon of two counts of contempt of Congress.
Outside of the courthouse, Schoen expressed confidence that the conviction would be overturned on appeal, telling reporters their appeal was “bulletproof.”
Bannon’s sentencing is scheduled for October when he could face between 30 days and one year in prison and up to $100,000 in fines for each of the two charges.
