Donald Trump could face a felony conviction for falsifying business records to hide hush money paid to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Closing arguments in the high-profile trial take place today, with prosecutors aiming to prove Trump had an unlawful aim in covering up the payment.
- Lawyers will make their final arguments in the trial today
- Trump is accused of falsifying records to hide hush money payment
- If convicted of a felony, it could impact the 2024 election
- But experts say an acquittal is also very possible
Do you wonder if Donald Trump broke the law by hiding a payment to an adult film star? We may find out the answer soon.
Closing Arguments Today
Today, prosecutors and Trump’s lawyers will give their closing arguments in the Stormy Daniels hush money trial. Then the case will go to the jury to decide if Trump is guilty or not guilty.
The key question is: Did Trump commit a felony by falsifying business records? Prosecutors say he did this to hide a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
What Prosecutors Need to Prove
According to former prosecutor David Katz, prosecutors clearly showed that Trump falsified some records, which is a misdemeanor crime. However, that charge cannot be filed because too much time has passed.
To get a felony conviction, prosecutors must prove Trump had an unlawful aim in falsifying the records. Some possible unlawful aims:
- Violating state campaign finance laws
- Violating federal campaign finance laws
- Tax evasion by hiding the real reason for the payment
But the judge may not define the specific ‘unlawful aim’ required in the instructions to the jury. This could make it easier for prosecutors to argue their case.
Will Trump Be Convicted?
Katz thinks an acquittal is the most unlikely result. He believes prosecutors have done enough to get Trump convicted of a felony by the jury.
However, the jury of 12 New Yorkers must reach a unanimous decision. If even one juror disagrees with a guilty verdict, it would be a hung jury leading to a retrial.
Some experts think a hung jury is very possible. Trump’s lawyers will likely argue that the case is too old and unimportant to most voters.
Impact on 2024 Election?
Most analysts do not think a conviction would greatly impact Trump’s popularity with his base of supporters. However, it could influence some undecided voters’ choices in next year’s presidential election.
A hung jury and retrial happening after November 2024 means the outcome would not be known before the election.
Trump Denies Wrongdoing
Trump and his team deny he committed any crimes. They call the case a scam aimed at damaging his reputation.
Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen admitted paying Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. But Trump claims he was unaware the money was related to Daniels.
During the trial, Daniels testified about disturbing details of a sexual encounter with Trump, including being spanked. Most experts were skeptical this alone would sway public opinion.
What’s Next?
After closing arguments today, the judge will provide instructions to the jury on Wednesday. Deliberations will begin, with a verdict expected by the end of this week.
If convicted of falsifying business records, Trump faces up to 4 years in prison. But many legal experts think he would get a lighter sentence or avoid jail time altogether.
Only time will tell how this saga ends. Will Trump be held accountable or walk away a free man once again?
