Thirty-four charges, 12 jurors, one frequently frustrated judge, and a lineup of witnesses.
After nearly five weeks, both the prosecution and the defense have rested in Donald Trump’s historic hush-money trial.
Closing arguments will begin on Tuesday, after which the jury will commence deliberations.
The timeline for their return and decision remains uncertain.
If Trump is found guilty on even one count, he would make history as the first former US president with a criminal conviction and the first major party candidate to run for the White House as a felon.
Here are the key considerations in the event of a guilty verdict.
Implications of a Guilty Verdict
Trump has been free on bail throughout the trial.
If convicted, he is likely to leave the court as a free man until Justice Juan Merchan schedules a sentencing hearing.
The judge will consider several factors in sentencing, including Trump’s age (77), lack of prior convictions, and any violations of court gag orders.
Potential sentences range from fines and probation to prison time.
Grounds for Appeal
Trump’s legal team would almost certainly appeal a guilty verdict, a process that could extend for months or longer.
The appeal would go to the Appellate Division in Manhattan and possibly the Court of Appeals.
It is highly unlikely that Trump would be taken into custody immediately, and he would likely remain free on bail during the appeal process.
The testimony of adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose alleged affair with Trump is central to the case, might be a basis for appeal.
“The level of detail that was provided [by Ms Daniels] is really not necessary to the telling of the story,” said Anna Cominsky, a professor at New York Law School.
“On the one hand, her detail makes her credible and as a prosecutor, you want to provide enough detail so the jury believes what she has to say.
On the other hand, there’s a line, where it could become irrelevant and prejudicial.”
The defense team twice requested a mistrial during Daniels’ testimony, but the judge denied these motions.
Additionally, the novel legal strategy used by the District Attorney may offer grounds for an appeal.
Trump faces more serious felony charges due to an alleged attempt to influence the 2016 election, which complicates the case.
Possibility of Prison Time
While Trump could theoretically face prison time if found guilty, it is highly unlikely.
The 34 charges are all class E felonies in New York, the lowest category, each carrying a maximum sentence of four years.
Several factors, including Trump’s age, lack of previous convictions, and the non-violent nature of the charges, might lead the judge to impose a lesser punishment.
The unprecedented nature of the case could also influence the decision, as incarcerating a former president and current candidate presents significant challenges.
Practical Challenges of Imprisonment
Imprisoning a former president poses unique difficulties.
Trump is entitled to lifelong Secret Service protection, which would complicate any prison term.
“Prison systems care about two things: security of the institution and keeping costs down,” said Justin Paperny, director of the prison consulting firm White Collar Advice.
With Trump, “it would be a freak show… no warden would allow it,” he added.
Impact on Presidential Candidacy
Despite a potential conviction, Trump could still run for president.
The US Constitution sets minimal eligibility requirements: candidates must be at least 35, a “natural born” US citizen, and have lived in the US for at least 14 years.
There are no rules against candidates with criminal records.
However, a conviction could influence the presidential election.
A Bloomberg and Morning Consult poll earlier this year found that 53% of voters in key swing states would not vote for Trump if he were convicted.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed that 6% of Trump voters would be less likely to support him, which could be decisive in a close race.
Pardon Possibilities
Trump would not be able to pardon himself for state convictions if he were to become president again.
The hush-money case is a state matter, as is his case in Georgia regarding alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Federal cases, such as the one involving mishandling classified documents and another on conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, present an unclear scenario for presidential pardon powers.
If these cases proceed, Trump could be the first to test whether a president can pardon himself.
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