Donald Trump is officially the first American President in history to be convicted of a crime. On Thursday, a New York jury found the 44th president guilty on all 34 counts in the hush money trial involving a porn star. He was convicted of falsifying business records to hide a hush payment made to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 elections. The ruling has resulted in an unprecedented situation regarding the upcoming elections. Many can’t help but wonder what will become of Trump’s presidential ambition given his stained legacy as a convict. However, the truth about the dicey situation will only be revealed after the businessman is sentenced.
Following yesterday’s jury verdict, Trump’s case will proceed to the sentencing phase. Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the case, declared July 11 as the sentencing date. However, before then, Trump will sit down with a probation officer or social worker to curate a pre-sentence report. The disgraced politician will answer questions about his criminal record and personal history, which will determine the sentencing recommendations given to Judge Merchan.
Before the sentencing date, Trump’s legal team will most likely appeal the verdict. However, the effect of the appeal, whether positive or negative, won’t play out until after the November elections.
Is Trump On House Arrest?
Given that Donald Trump won’t know his fate until later, he is basically a free man until then. The 77-year-old can carry on with his presidential campaign, travel freely, and continue with his business as usual. Also, since there is no law against felons running for president, Trump remains the forerunner for the Republican Party.
As for what his sentence might be, the former president doesn’t seem likely to spend some time behind bars. Nevertheless, it is not completely off the table as it is at Judge Merchan’s discretion. Per reports, Trump’s charges are Class E felonies and each count carries a maximum sentence of four years. However, given Trump’s age, his societal standing, and lack of criminal record, experts think he will be given a much lesser sentence.
Law School professor Bennett Gershman explained to CNBC that while Trump’s naughty conduct during the trial provoked the judge, Merchan is reluctant to incarcerate the former president. Merchan was very vocal during the trial about not wanting to jail Trump despite him repeatedly violating his gag order. Hence, the same favor might extend to his sentencing, prompting a less harsh sentence of house arrest or probation.
However, no one will know the truth about Trump’s sentencing until July 11.
