Donald Trump Convicted On All 34 Charges In Porn Star Hush Money Case, 1st In US History

In a historic verdict, former President Donald Trump has been convicted of falsifying documents to silence a porn star prior to the 2016 election. The New York jury’s decision marks a significant moment in American politics, as Trump becomes the first former US president to face such a conviction. After deliberations over two days, the 12-member jury announced it had found Trump guilty on all 34 counts he faced, news agency Reuters reported.

Most of the charges are repetitive and are basically that he falsified his business records by showing the payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels as legal expenses for his lawyer, Michael Cohen, who became the prosecution’s star witness.

The jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business documents after sitting through a five-week courtroom presentation that featured explicit testimony from porn star Stormy Daniels about a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump in 2006 while he was married to his current wife Melania. Trump denies ever having sex with Daniels.

Trump denies wrongdoing

Following the jury’s decision, Trump vehemently denounced the trial, labelling it a “disgrace” and decrying it as “rigged.”

“We didn’t do a thing wrong. I’m a very innocent man,” Trump asserted, expressing his dissatisfaction after leaving the courtroom. Despite the guilty verdict, Trump maintained his innocence, positioning the upcoming general election as the true measure of public opinion on the matter. “The real verdict is going to be on November 5 by the people,” he declared.

Trump also directed criticism towards the Manhattan District Attorney and the Biden administration, baselessly claiming their influence over the case.

When will Trump be sentenced?

Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump’s sentencing for 10 a.m. ET on July 11. The decision lies with Merchan, who could impose probation or a maximum of 4 years in state prison per count, totaling up to 20 years. Currently, the former president remains free pending sentencing, with prosecutors not requesting any bond. The outcome of the sentencing will determine Trump’s future legal standing and potential consequences.

The crime of falsifying business documents carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, though those convicted often receive shorter sentences, fines or probation. Incarceration would not legally prevent him from campaigning, or taking office if he were to win.

Can Trump appeal his conviction?

Trump has consistently appealed court rulings against him in an effort to delay the proceedings or eventually land his case before a court that may side with him. The New York case is no different.

Shortly after Trump was convicted, his attorney Todd Blanche asked Merchan for an acquittal of the charges notwithstanding the guilty verdict. The judge rejected the pro forma request.

During the course of the trial, Trump’s legal team took other steps to preserve its right to appeal a potential guilty verdict, looking at rulings from the judge on testimony and evidence. They’re all but certain to mount such an appeal in the coming weeks.