Trump Convicted On 34 Felony Counts: What's Next?

A New York jury has convicted Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, bringing the former president’s weeks-long trial to a close and opening a new chapter in this historic case.

As the first former US president to be convicted of a felony, Trump now faces the possibility of prison time or probation for his involvement in a hush money payment scheme tied to the 2016 presidential election. Known for his extensive appeals, Trump is expected to challenge the conviction, potentially delaying his sentencing, currently scheduled for July 11.

Here's what you need to know about the case and its implications.

When Will Trump Be Sentenced?

Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled Trump's sentencing for 10 a.m. ET on July 11. Trump could face probation or up to four years in state prison for each count, with a maximum potential sentence of 20 years. Until then, he will remain out of prison as no bond has been requested by prosecutors.

Can Trump Appeal His Conviction?

Trump is likely to appeal, a strategy he has used in the past to delay proceedings or seek a more favorable court ruling. Shortly after the conviction, his attorney, Todd Blanche, requested an acquittal, which Judge Merchan denied. Trump's legal team has taken steps throughout the trial to preserve their right to appeal, focusing on various rulings regarding testimony and evidence.

Can Trump Still Be Elected President?

Yes, he can. According to Richard L. Hasen, a leading election law expert at UCLA, nothing in the US Constitution prevents a convicted criminal from running for president. The Constitution only requires that a candidate be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident of the US for at least 14 years. Additionally, states cannot disqualify Trump based on his efforts to overturn the 2020 election due to a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Will the Conviction Affect Trump’s Voting Rights?

As a Florida resident, Trump is subject to the state’s rules that disenfranchise felons. However, a 2021 New York law allows felons to regain their voting rights after completing their prison sentence, even if still on parole. This means Trump could be barred from voting in Florida if he is serving a prison sentence for the New York conviction at the time of the election. Florida’s rules mandate that felons must complete their sentence, including any supervised release and pay all fines and fees, before regaining their right to vote.

What Does This Mean for Trump’s Other Criminal Cases?

Trump’s New York conviction does not directly impact his three other ongoing criminal cases. His federal case regarding election subversion is on hold as the Supreme Court reviews his claims of presidential immunity. The trial for his classified documents case in Florida has been indefinitely postponed, and the Georgia election interference case remains in legal limbo as Trump and his co-defendants seek to disqualify the prosecutor.

As these proceedings continue, Trump’s legal battles are far from over, ensuring that his legal and political future will remain in the spotlight.