Paxton decried the impeachment as a “politically motivated sham” and said he expects to be acquitted. His lawyers have said he won't testify before the Senate, but the trial remains fraught with political and legal risk.
Paul was indicted in June on federal criminal charges that he made false statements to banks to get more than $170 million in loans. He pleaded not guilty. Paxton is also accused of pressuring his staff to intervene in other of Paul's legal troubles, including litigation with an Austin-based nonprofit group and property foreclosure sales.In return, the impeachment prosecutors say Paul bankrolled renovations to one of Paxton's homes and facilitated his affair.
There's a defendant, defense lawyers, prosecutors, opening statements, closing arguments and witnesses who will be called to testify and can be cross-examined. The “jury” is the 31-member Senate. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a Republican, presides over the Senate and will serve as the “judge.”