(SQAUK) – In an unprecedented moment in American history, former President Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This landmark case marks the first time a former or sitting U.S. president has been convicted of criminal charges.
After two days of deliberation, the jury unanimously agreed that Trump falsified business records to conceal a $130,000 payment intended to influence the outcome of the 2016 election. The detailed charges include invoices for legal services, checks paid for legal services, and ledger entries for legal expenses, all of which were found to be falsified.
Following the verdict, Trump criticized the trial as a “disgrace” and Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the case. His defense team maintained his innocence, arguing that the payments to Cohen were legitimate and not intended to influence the election.
As Trump moves forward with the new label of a convicted felon, his legal battles are ongoing. He is set to be sentenced on July 11 and could face fines, probation, or up to four years in prison. However, legal experts believe that a fine is the most probable outcome.
Trump’s legal team is expected to appeal the verdict, which could take months or years. In New York, a defendant has 30 days from when a sentence is handed down to file a notice of appeal. The appeal will likely raise several issues, including the scope of testimony allowed during the trial.
Despite the conviction, Trump remains eligible to run for the White House again. The U.S. Constitution sets few eligibility requirements for presidential candidates, and no rules block candidates with criminal records. This verdict comes as Trump campaigns to defeat Joe Biden in November’s election and return to the presidency.
In the context of legal reasoning, Donald Trump’s conviction marks a significant moment in American politics, posing legal and political hurdles that the nation must address. As Trump prepares for sentencing and an appeal, the country closely follows this historic event, which will have a lasting impact on American governance.
