Q & A: Trump and jail time

 

Q: Could Trump still be sentenced to jail for his 34 felonies after November 5th?

A: If Donald Trump is sentenced for his 34 felony convictions after November 5th, he could still theoretically face prison time, though it’s complex given his appeal options and potential sentencing outcomes.

First, Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2024. The judge, Juan Merchan, could impose a sentence of probation, a fine, or even jail time—each count carries a potential maximum of four years, though typically sentences for such “non-violent” and first-time offenses may lean toward lesser penalties. Experts highlight that Trump’s unique position and history of disregarding court decorum might weigh on the judge’s decision, possibly pushing for some level of incarceration to underscore accountability and deterrence. However, being a high-profile defendant with considerable resources, his defence team will likely request leniency, especially emphasizing his age and lack of prior criminal record in this category​.

Once sentenced, Trump’s legal team can begin the appeals process, which could delay any imprisonment. Under New York’s judicial process, Trump would need to show valid grounds for an appeal, such as alleged trial errors or misinterpretation of laws. His lawyers are expected to contest some aspects of the trial, including which legal elements elevated these charges to felonies. The appeal could take several months to years, allowing him to request a “stay” on any imprisonment until the appeal is resolved​.

If he’s successful in delaying or overturning any sentence, the outcome would then depend on higher New York courts.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model