J6 defendants await Trump decision on whether to issue pardons

The numerous Jan 6. Capitol protesters who have been charged or convicted, or simply remain jailed while awaiting trial experienced a massive dose of hope for their future after President-elect Donald Trump's resounding victory last week.

According to CNN, Trump has vowed on several occasions to offer pardons for many of those who were convicted or are facing prison time for their roles in the Capitol unrest. 

The outlet noted that many of the J6 defendants are having their attorneys work overtime to delay further action on their cases as they await Trump's actions regarding their legal fate.

Trump's victory last Tuesday was met with mixed reactions from some of the aforementioned defendants and their lawyers.

An attorney for defendant Jaimee Avery, who pleaded guilty to two low-level charges and was given 18 months of probation, essentially said that Trump's victory was unfair, given that she believes he's the one who instigated it all.

"The person who planned that day is never going to suffer any consequences for his role in it," attorney Elizabeth Mullin said in a hearing last week.

In contrast, some of the defendants are hoping for the real deal as far as clemency from Trump is concerned, with many demanding full pardons.

Defendant Zachary Alam, who recently told a judge, "Sometimes you have to break the rules to do what’s right," is not seeking pardon due to innocence, but another reason altogether.

"Instead of pardons of innocence, some January 6ers should receive pardons of patriotism,” Alam said.

CNN noted:

Talk of potential presidential pardons permeated at least one violent rioter’s sentencing Thursday, when Zachary Alam told a judge he had no remorse for his actions. “Sometimes you have to break the rules to do what’s right,” Alam said.

Unfortunately for some of the defendants, such as Alam, the judges overseeing their cases aren't buying what they're selling.

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich called Alam's reasoning "delusional," saying his actions on Jan. 6 were a "full-throttled attack on the constitutional principles" of the United States.

Judges' opinions may not ultimately matter if Trump comes through on his promise to pardon some or all of the defendants.

Only time will tell what the incoming president decides.