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crime21h ago
Boasberg reverses course on Jan. 6 defendants pardoned by Trump
- Boasberg reversed a prior position and allowed refunds of restitution and fees after Ballenger and Price’s convictions were vacated.
- The refunds hinge on vacatur rather than the pardon alone, per the memo order.
- The judge noted that the convictions were vacated by the higher court, which strengthens the refund argument.
- The court considered appropriations and sovereign immunity in ordering repayments.
- Boasberg’s decision came after an appeals court decision and the timing of President Trump’s pardon.
- The defendants, Cynthia Ballenger and Christopher Price, were pardoned by Trump after their cases were pending.
- The ruling could be viewed as a political win for Trump allies amid debates about judicial independence.
- The case involved modest restitution amounts of about $570 per defendant tied to Jan. 6 activities.
- The order addresses the broader issue of refunds in cases with vacated convictions post-pardon.
- The decision clarifies that a pardon does not automatically restore property or money from a conviction.
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