On May 30, the jury in Donald Trump’s hush money trial determined that the charges against him were proven and found him guilty. After the trial in the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, the jury deliberated for 10 hours over two days and delivered a guilty verdict on all 34 felony charges brought by the New York prosecutor.
Trump is accused of paying adult film actress Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep her quiet about their sexual relationship ahead of the 2016 presidential election. He is also accused of misappropriating public funds by delivering this money through his past personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
The hush money was recorded in the books as legal consultation fees at the time. The fact that the jury reached a unanimous conclusion in just 10 hours suggests that the 34 charges brought by the prosecution were easily proven. It is difficult to even guess what will happen next as it is unprecedented for a current or former president to be found guilty in a criminal case.
According to CNBC, the legal future is relatively predictable. Judge Juan Merchan is yet to sentence Trump. The jury was also disbanded soon after the verdict was announced. The prosecution and Trump’s defense team will each suggest a sentence, and Judge Merchan will review and determine the sentence. There is a possibility that Trump could be sentenced to prison.
Trump is facing E-class felony charges, the least serious felony in New York State law.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 4 years. Instead, Trump could face fines, compensation, and other restrictions, but a prison sentence cannot be ruled out.
Judge Merchan may spare Trump from prison, considering his age and lack of prior criminal record.
Trump has repeatedly violated the judge’s order for silence during the trial and has verbally harassed the judge and his family frequently. Despite such actions, experts believe the likelihood of Trump being sentenced to prison is very low.
If a prison sentence is handed down, Trump’s lawyers are expected to request the execution be delayed until after the presidential election on November 5. However, it is uncertain whether Judge Merchan will accept this.
Michael Bachner, a New York City lawyer, said it is unlikely that Merchan will delay the execution unless there is a valid reason.
