Trump Faces Sentencing After Conviction on 34 Counts: What’s Next?
Former President Donald Trump has been convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records, but what happens next in this legal saga? Despite the guilty verdict, Trump’s ability to run for election in November remains intact. The sentencing is scheduled for July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention, where he is expected to become the official Republican Party nominee for president.
Before Trump can file an appeal, he must be sentenced by Judge Juan Merchan. The sentencing process includes the preparation of a pre-sentence investigation report by the Probation Department, providing sentencing recommendations from both the defense and prosecution to the judge.
Legal experts believe it is unlikely that Trump will receive a prison sentence due to his lack of criminal record, the nonviolent nature of the crime, and logistical challenges. Potential sentencing options could include community service, fines, probation, or a conditional discharge.
The appeals process will begin once Trump is sentenced, with a 30-day window to file a notice of appeal. The case will then proceed to the Appellate Division, First Department in Manhattan, with the possibility of further appeal to the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court. The timeline for the appeals process could impact the upcoming election in November.
Despite the legal implications, experts suggest that Trump’s continuous public criticisms of the justice system could complicate the sentencing and appeals process. The outcome of the appeals could have significant implications for Trump’s political future.