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full screen A protester reacts to the verdict outside the court in Manhattan. Photo: Julia Nikhinson/AP/TT
Can Donald Trump still be elected president – despite his criminal conviction? Is it possible to appeal, and what punishment can he receive?
This is happening now.
When will the judgment be announced?
Donald Trump made history as the first ex-president of the United States to be convicted of a felony, when a New York court on Thursday found him guilty on 34 counts.
The verdict will be announced on July 11 – just days before the Republicans begin their party convention where Trump is expected to be named the party’s presidential candidate for the fall election. Until the verdict is announced, Donald Trump remains free.
What can the penalty be?
Donald Trump faces up to four years in prison per charge – but according to legal experts, that is unlikely, as he has a previous impunity. The 77-year-old’s age is also taken into account when determining the sentence, as well as the fact that the crimes he was convicted of do not involve violence.
Fines, probation, community service or house arrest are more likely penalties.
After the verdict is announced, Trump’s lawyers have 30 days to appeal, which they are expected to do. However, it may take until after the presidential election in November before the appeal is heard.
Can Trump still become president?
Should Donald Trump win the election, there is nothing to prevent him from regaining the presidency. According to the US Constitution, there are relatively few requirements for a presidential candidate: They must be over 35, born in the US and have lived in the country for at least 14 years. There are no rules that stop candidates who have been convicted of crimes, the BBC writes.
Can Trump pardon himself?
US presidents can issue pardons for people convicted of federal crimes – but Donald Trump, if he wins the presidential election, cannot pardon himself. The reason for that is that the crimes he is now convicted of were tried in a trial in the state of New York, and it is therefore not a federal crime.
FACTS The New York indictment against Donald Trump
Donald Trump was indicted in March last year on 34 counts of accounting violations in New York. On May 30, he was convicted on all charges.
The former president was sued for ordering payments to people who threatened to leak sensitive information about him during the 2016 presidential campaign. These were later booked as legal expenses, which could violate New York’s strict campaign finance laws and constitute tax crimes.
Trump denies wrongdoing, has called the indictment “political persecution” and has tried in various ways to have it postponed or dropped. He faces jail time in the state case but could also receive a suspended sentence. The penalty will be announced on July 11.
The charge is often described as the least serious of the four charges brought against him. It is unclear whether trials in any of the other three will be completed before the presidential election in November.
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