Trump ‘Hush Money’ trial: What is a pre-sentencing probation interview?

In July, former President Donald Trump will be sentenced in the ‘hush money’ case in which he was convicted last month. The case surrounded federal campaign finance violations that were committed to cover up an illegal ‘hush money’ payment made to adult film actress Stephanie Clifford, known professionally as Stormy Daniels. Members of the former president’s inner circle had made the payment after concerns within the 2016 campaign grew that an alleged affair between Trump and Clifford could become public. A Manhattan jury found the evidence presented credible enough to convict, and now Donald Trump has made history as the first former US head of state to be charged with a felony.

Judge Juan Merchan placed Donald Trump under a gag order during the trial, and he and his Leagla team have appealed to have it lifted.

When will Donald Trump’s interview take place?

On Monday, Donald Trump and his legal team will have the chance to ask the court for leniency during a pre-sentencing probation interview. These meetings are a time for the defendant to explain why their personal background, including their financial situation and health, should be taken into consideration by the judge. Since Donald Trump has departed New York City, his pre-sentencing interview will take place remotely.

Could Donald Trump go to prison?

Although the jury has found Mr. Trump guilty, the sentencing hearing, during which the punishment will be announced, will not occur for a few weeks. Before assuming that this could result in Mr. Trump being imprisoned, it is important to note that he will likely appeal the ruling.

Falsifying business records in the first degree is considered a class E felony in the United States. According to the law, each count carries a maximum prison sentence of four years, a fine of up to $100,000, or both, in addition to prosecution costs. “Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution,” states Internal Revenue Code § 7201. If Trump is found guilty, he could face up to four years in prison, although he might avoid jail time and be required to pay a fine if he loses the appeals he plans to file.