By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Republican Donald Trump is competing against Democratic presidential candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming November election. As the first former US president to be criminally convicted, his legal challenges could significantly impact his campaign.
At 78, Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records, making him the first former president in US history to face such a conviction. Shortly after, the US Supreme Court ruled that he had partial immunity in a critical case where he was accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump also secured a legal victory when a Florida judge dismissed a case regarding his handling of classified documents.
With these developments, the focus now shifts to what might happen next in his four criminal cases and how they could influence his bid to return to the White House.
2020 Election and Capitol Riot Case
This case revolves around whether Trump illegally attempted to reverse his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Federal prosecutors accuse him of pressuring officials to overturn the results, spreading false claims about election fraud, and exploiting the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, to delay the certification of Biden's victory and remain in power. Trump faces four criminal charges, including conspiracy to defraud the US and conspiracy against citizens' rights.
Some believed Trump might be charged with insurrection or aiding insurrection, but those charges were not included. The case was complicated by a Supreme Court ruling granting broad immunity to presidents for official acts. However, prosecutors revised the charges, arguing that Trump acted as a private citizen, not as president, during the alleged scheme. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the prosecution is politically motivated, and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial is unlikely to happen soon. Trump has appealed the case, citing presidential immunity, but the revised indictment suggests that the case might proceed under a new legal framework. If Trump wins re-election, he could theoretically pardon himself or dismiss the charges.
New York Hush Money Case
This case involves a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Daniels was paid $130,000 to remain silent about her claim of having an affair with Trump, which he denies. The legal issue centered on how Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, was reimbursed, with the payment recorded as legal fees in Trump's accounts.
At trial, Cohen testified that Trump was aware of the scheme to disguise the payment. Despite efforts by Trump's lawyers to discredit Cohen, the jury found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of fraud under campaign finance laws. Trump has maintained that the case is politically motivated and is seeking to overturn the conviction, citing the Supreme Court's immunity ruling.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison, but legal experts believe a fine is more likely than imprisonment.
Georgia 2020 Election Case
In Georgia, Trump and 18 others are accused of conspiring to overturn his narrow 2020 election defeat in the state. The investigation was partly triggered by a leaked phone call in which Trump asked Georgia's top election official to "find 11,780 votes." Trump faces 10 criminal counts, including a violation of Georgia's Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
The trial date has not been set, and the case is further complicated by efforts to disqualify the lead prosecutor, Fani Willis. The racketeering charge could result in a maximum 20 year prison sentence if prosecutors can prove a pattern of corruption aimed at overturning the election results.
Classified Documents Case
This case concerns whether Trump mishandled classified documents by taking them from the White House to his Mar a Lago residence after leaving office. The charges include the wilful retention of national defense information under the Espionage Act, along with conspiracy to obstruct justice and making false statements. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A significant legal victory for Trump came when a Florida judge dismissed the case, citing that the special prosecutor's appointment violated the Constitution. However, the decision is under appeal, and the case's future remains uncertain.
If the case is reinstated, Trump could face substantial prison time if convicted, with each count under the Espionage Act carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years. However, many experts believe that jailing a former president is unlikely due to logistical and political considerations.
