Former Donald Trump adviser Peter Navarro has filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court, asking them to review his request to avoid prison. Navarro had previously been denied a request to remain free while appealing his contempt of Congress conviction before a federal appeals court. He has already served 15 days of his four-month sentence. Navarro’s attorneys have asked Justice Neil Gorsuch to review the request, although such requests are rarely granted.
Navarro’s attorneys argue that pausing the lower court’s ruling rejecting his bid to avoid prison is necessary when the person making the request is not a flight risk and is raising significant legal questions. Navarro believes that his case will raise several issues on appeal that could result in the reversal of his conviction or a new trial. However, two lower courts have already turned down similar appeals. Chief Justice John Roberts rejected Navarro’s request in March, stating that the federal appeals courts had concluded that Navarro had forfeited any challenge to the idea that he could avoid appearing before Congress.
Navarro was sentenced to four months in prison after a jury found him guilty of failing to respond to congressional subpoenas for documents and testimony related to the House’s investigation of the January 6, 2021, US Capitol attack. Roberts stated that he saw “no basis to disagree with the determination that Navarro forfeited those arguments.” Navarro’s attorneys are now hoping that Justice Gorsuch will review his request and potentially grant him the opportunity to avoid prison while appealing his conviction.
The Supreme Court rarely grants emergency requests such as Navarro’s, especially when it comes to avoiding prison sentences. Navarro’s case is unique in that he believes there are significant legal questions that could result in a reversal of his conviction or a new trial. However, it remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court will ultimately decide to take another look at his request. In the meantime, Navarro has reported to prison and is currently serving his four-month sentence.
Despite the odds against him, Navarro and his legal team are still hoping for a favorable outcome in his case. His conviction stems from his failure to respond to congressional subpoenas related to the Capitol attack investigation. Navarro’s attorneys are confident that there are legal grounds for his request to be reconsidered, and they are appealing to Justice Gorsuch to review his case. It remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court will grant Navarro’s request and allow him to remain free while pursuing his appeal.
