Donald Trump’s hush-money trial finds him guilty on all counts.
With the verdict, Trump becomes the first president of the United States to be found guilty of a felony.
After being found guilty on all 34 counts in his hush-money trial in New York, former US President Donald Trump remained indignant, claiming the trial was “rigged” and a “disgrace.”
In his hush-money trial in New York, twelve jurors found former US President Donald Trump guilty on all counts, making him the first president to be found guilty of a felony in US history.
In relation to a hush-money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the jury found Trump guilty of fabricating company records.
Following a grueling five-week trial in Manhattan Criminal Court and two days of closed-door deliberations, the jury rendered their verdict.
As each juror was questioned individually to ensure that the decision was reached unanimously on all 34 criminal counts, the 77-year-old Trump remained silent. He came out of the courthouse a few minutes later to address the reporters who had gathered outside.
“The real verdict will be Nov. 5 by the people,” he declared, alluding to this fall’s anticipated U.S. presidential election. “This was a rigged, disgraceful trial.”
“We didn’t make any mistakes. I’m a blameless man.
The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, praised the jurors for their service and stated that the prosecution adhered to the law and the facts.
“While this defendant may be unlike any other in American history, we arrived at this trial, and ultimately today at this verdict, in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors — by following the facts and the law, and doing so without fear or favour,” Bragg stated following the announcement of the verdict Thursday afternoon.
If not treated with fines or probation, Trump could receive a sentence of up to four years in prison, but these kinds of crimes often carry significantly shorter sentences. His conviction does not exclude Trump from running for president or from assuming office in the event that he defeats Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
Trump won’t be imprisoned prior to his sentencing. Through the tinted glass of his SUV, he gave a thumbs up as his convoy departed the courthouse on Thursday.
Most likely to appeal
Just minutes before they were scheduled to be dismissed for the day, at 4:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, the jury announced they had reached a verdict. Five minutes later, jurors were brought back into the stiff courtroom to complete the forms.
Trump was found guilty on all counts by 5:07 p.m. The only member of his family present in the courtroom was his son, Eric.
ExameningThe decision has been made. What may occur next?
Following the jury’s departure, Judge Juan Merchan asked the attorneys on both sides if they had any last remarks. Todd Blanche, Trump’s attorney, got up to make one more acquittal attempt. Blanche requested a mid- to late-July sentencing date after the judge rejected her request, citing Trump’s schedule of court appearances in multiple other instances.
Four days before to the Republican nominating convention in Milwaukee, on July 11, the sentencing date was established.
It is highly likely that Trump would file an appeal against the verdict, citing bias and judicial mistakes. He will contend that Merchan’s unjust instructions to the jury sealed Trump’s fate. Years may pass before appeals are resolved.
The 45-year-old Daniels gave testimony during the trial regarding the alleged sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006 at a hotel while he was still married to Melania.
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer, testified in court that Trump authorized the payment of $130,000 US to Daniels to prevent her from discussing the event during the last few weeks of the 2016 election, when Trump was being accused of sexual misconduct on several occasions.
Cohen claimed to have made the money and that Trump had agreed to reimburse him on a monthly basis through fictitious legal work.
In response to the criminal accusations, Trump entered a not guilty plea and refuted reports that he had a sexual encounter with Daniels in 2006.
For the crime for which he is currently on trial, there are numerous possible punishments: he might spend as little as four years in prison or as much as four years on probation.
In the upcoming days, Trump will have to first meet with a probation officer. The officer will compile a report on sentence that Merchan will utilize in July, which will include information about whether Trump exhibits any remorse.
The first criminal case of Trump’s to go to trial was the one in Manhattan District Court.
Regarding other alleged criminal behavior that occurred prior to, during, and following his tenure in the White House, he is facing three additional prosecutions.
The Biden campaign urged voters to reject Trump in the election, claiming that the verdict demonstrated that no one was above the law.
The campaign released a statement saying, “There is still only one way to keep Donald Trump out of the Oval Office: at the ballot box.”
