Trump was found guilty of a criminal offense: what next?
'31.05.2024'
Lyudmila Balabay
On May 30, a jury in New York found the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records (charges detailed below). The jury deliberated for a total of nearly 12 hours over two days.
Thus, Trump set two dubious records at once. He is the first US president in history to be convicted of a criminal offense. He is also the first major party presidential candidate in American history to be convicted of a crime while on the campaign trail.
During the announcement of the verdict, the politician looked straight ahead with a stony face. He turned toward the jury as the judge questioned each of them to confirm their decision.
After the trial ended, Trump spoke to reporters and described the verdict as a humiliation. He behaved well, but it was clear that the politician was nervous - he repeated the same phrases several times, his voice periodically broke. He maintained that he was innocent and a victim of injustice and “Joe Biden’s desire to destroy a political opponent.” The politician emphasized that he will fight and “will definitely win.” As a result, Trump declared that “the country is going to hell.”
Joe Biden's team, commenting on the jury's verdict, said that "no one is above the law."
“Donald Trump has always mistakenly believed that he would never face consequences for breaking the law for his own personal gain. […] There is only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: the ballot box,” said Biden campaign spokesman Michael Tyler.
What's next
The jury's verdict is only half the battle; then the judge must decide what punishment Trump will suffer. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 00, just days before the start of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where Trump is set to be formally nominated for president.
What threatens him? Such charges carry prison sentences but do not oblige a judge to send Trump to prison. He could be sentenced to probation or imprisonment for a maximum of 4 years on each charge. Yes, the total for 34 counts is 136 years, but this definitely won’t happen - New York State law prohibits sentencing people for financial crimes to more than 20 years. So the maximum sentence Trump faces is 20 years.
At the same time, lawyers say that most likely the politician will not be imprisoned. Probably waiting for him a suspended sentence or fine, especially in light of the non-violent nature of the charges and the fact that he has no prior criminal record.
Be that as it may, even prison will not prevent Trump from participating in the elections - US law does not prohibit prisoners from running for president or even governing the country.
On the subject: Robert de Niro had a row with Trump and his supporters over the upcoming US presidential elections
What is the essence of the accusations?
Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records, on the basis of which a $2016 payment was made to porn actress Stormy Daniels in 130.
Just before the 2016 election, Daniels claimed that she and Trump had sex in 2006. This greatly damaged the reputation of the presidential candidate, because at that time Trump was married. So the politician's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels to keep her quiet.
The indictment alleges that Trump falsified documentation when he reimbursed Cohen for his money as legal fees.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to any of the 34 counts and also denied having sex with Daniels.
On May 28, the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments, trying to convince the jury of the guilt or innocence of the 45th president.
The head of Trump's legal team, Todd Blanche, said his client was the victim of blackmail by a porn actress and also tried to cast doubt on the testimony of prosecution witnesses, mainly Michael Cohen, whom he called "the greatest liar of all time."
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass emphasized in his testimony that in addition to Cohen's testimony, there is a "mountain of evidence" in the case that confirms Trump's guilt.
“They want to make this case about Michael Cohen,” he said. “This case is about Donald Trump and whether he should be held accountable for making false entries in his business records and whether he did so to cover up election law violations.”
It was precisely the fact that Trump committed one crime to cover up another that was the main thesis of the prosecution. It seemed to work, as the jury found Trump guilty on all charges.
