Trump’s First Criminal Trial Begins: What to Expect

Former President Donald Trump’s inaugural criminal trial is set to kick off with opening arguments today in Manhattan. Trump faces felony charges related to “hush money” payments made during his 2016 campaign. The trial, expected to span approximately six weeks, could include notable witnesses and potentially result in a prison sentence for Trump.

The trial, taking place in New York state court, follows the selection of a 12-person jury and six alternates last week. Trump faces 34 felony charges for allegedly falsifying business records, specifically related to payments made to reimburse his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to conceal her alleged affair with Trump. These reimbursement payments were allegedly falsely labeled as legal services.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office is prosecuting the case, with potential witnesses including Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen, and others involved in the payments. Trump’s children, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Ivanka Trump, as well as ex-attorney Rudy Giuliani and former advisor Kellyanne Conway, could also be called to testify.

Trump, who has attended court hearings voluntarily in the past, will be legally required to be present at this trial as a criminal defendant. Each charge against Trump is a class “E” felony under New York law, carrying a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. While Trump has stated his intention to testify, his lawyers are likely to assess the risks before making a final decision, considering the potential questions from prosecutors.

The trial is expected to begin with opening arguments followed by testimony. Former American Media CEO David Pecker is reportedly set to be the first witness, with his testimony aimed at supporting the prosecution’s case by detailing how he assisted Trump during the 2016 election.

Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, describing the case as a “witch hunt” intended to harm his presidential campaign. He and his legal team have also criticized the prosecution as politically motivated and argue that the charges were brought too late.

During the trial, Trump faces potential punishment for violating a gag order that prohibits him from making public statements about potential witnesses, jurors, and others involved in the case. Prosecutors have alleged that Trump violated this order multiple times, with a hearing scheduled to address these allegations.

While Trump’s alleged crimes could result in a lengthy prison sentence, legal experts believe it is unlikely that he would be sentenced to prison time as a first-time offender based on the charges in this case. However, Trump faces the threat of prison time in three other criminal cases against him.

The charges against Trump stem from a years-long investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office into the “hush money” payments. Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, paid Daniels $130,000 in the weeks leading up to the 2016 election to prevent her from discussing her alleged affair with Trump. Cohen ultimately pleaded guilty to campaign finance, tax evasion, and other crimes related to the payment. The case against Trump is the first of four criminal cases brought against him over the past year, and it is the first to go to trial.