Donald Trump Says He’s “OK” with Going to Jail Following Conviction on 34 Felony Counts
New York, NY – June 4, 2024 – Former President Donald Trump, recently convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records, has made a surprising statement, indicating he is “OK” with the possibility of going to jail. This comes after a historic New York jury decision that has left the fate of the 77-year-old in the hands of Judge Juan Merchan, whom Trump has frequently criticized as “corrupt” and “incompetent.”
Trump’s conviction, which includes charges of falsifying business records, a Class E felony, is punishable by a fine, probation, or up to four years in prison per count. Despite the severity of these charges, legal experts are divided on the likelihood of Trump serving prison time.
Former federal prosecutor Chuck Rosenberg, an NBC News analyst, stated it is unlikely Judge Merchan will impose a prison sentence, considering Trump’s age, first-time offender status, and the nonviolent nature of the crime. “I’d be very surprised if there’s any sentence of incarceration at all,” Rosenberg said, despite acknowledging Trump’s consistent insults towards the judge.
Conversely, veteran New York criminal defense lawyer Ron Kuby believes it is “substantially likely” that Judge Merchan, known for his stringent sentencing in white-collar crimes involving the wealthy and powerful, might sentence Trump to jail time. “It’s an entire course of conduct he was involved with — not just one bad decision,” Kuby explained.
During the trial, Judge Merchan threatened to jail Trump for violating a gag order. However, it is unclear if this behavior will impact the final sentencing. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg withholding comments on the potential sentence, stating that his office will outline its stance in forthcoming court papers.
Arthur Aidala, a former prosecutor and now a defense lawyer, suggested that Judge Merchan would likely research similar cases to determine an appropriate sentence, factoring in Trump’s age, lack of a prior criminal record, and the nonviolent nature of his crimes. Aidala anticipates a “non-jail disposition” for Trump.
Analysis by Norm Eisen, who worked for House Democrats during Trump’s first impeachment, found that only about 10% of those convicted of falsifying business records serve prison time, usually in cases involving additional crimes.
Trump’s remarks about being “OK” with going to jail have raised eyebrows. During a press conference, Trump said, “If that’s what it takes, that’s what it takes. I’m not above the law, and if the court decides that prison is the right course, I will accept it.” These comments come amid ongoing public and legal battles that continue to shape his post-presidential life.
Despite the conviction, it is likely that Trump will remain free while appealing the decision. Appeals could extend the legal process well beyond the November election, possibly reaching the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. Additionally, if Trump were to become president again, he could not be incarcerated in a state prison during his tenure, potentially delaying any prison sentence until he leaves office.
Trump’s recent conviction and his uncharacteristic acceptance of potential jail time add another chapter to the complex legal and political saga surrounding the former president. As the nation awaits the sentencing, the implications of this historic conviction continue to unfold, leaving a lasting impact on American legal and political landscapes.
For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to South Florida Media.
