US NEWS
Is Donald Trump going to jail after being found guilty on all counts?
For the first time in American history a former president has been found guilty of a crime. Here’s what we know so far about his sentencing.
Former President Donald Trump has been found guilty in a Manhattan court on charges of falsifying business records in the lead up to the 2016 presidential election.
The jury deliberated for two days before coming to a verdict, finding Trump guilty on all 34 charges levelled against him. He becomes the first president to be found guilty of crimes.
The case against Trump consisted of felony charges, meaning that he will have a criminal record as a result of today’s verdict. In theory, he could also be given a custodial sentence by the judge. However given the non-violent nature of his crimes and the fact that he is a first-time offender, Donald Trump will almost certainly not be given a jail sentence.
His punishment will most likely consist of fines, community service and a period of probation. Given that he is a former president and retains a permanent Secret Service detail any form of public community service appears unlikely. The judge is also unlikely to issue any form of punishment that would seriously impact his ability to campaign for the 2024 presidential election.
What has Donald Trump said about the guilty verdict?
During parts of the trial Donald Trump found himself in conflict with the judge over what was adjudged to be rhetorical threats to those involved in the case. Judge Juan Merchan issued a gag order on Trump and even fined him at times after breaching the rules with his outspoken remarks.
Trump took to appearing outside the court at the end of each day to give his thoughts on proceedings, regularly claiming that the charges against him were the result of political pressure on the Justice Department. Those claims were completely unfounded.
Immediately after the guilty verdict was read, Trump appeared in front of the media once again to describe the trial as “a disgrace”.
“This is a disgrace. This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt. It was a rigged trial, a disgrace... The real verdict is going to be November 5th, by the people.”
After speaking for a little under two minutes Trump turned and walked away from the gathered press, refusing to answer any questions. His legal team will almost certainly launch a series of appeals against the verdict but it seems unlikely that any will be heard before the election in little over five months. Trump looks set to complete the remainder of his presidential campaign as a convicted criminal.