Former President Donald Trump was convicted on 34 felony charges of falsifying business records Thursday, May 30, 2024, marking the first time in U.S. history that a former or sitting president has been convicted on criminal charges.
The jury found Trump guilty on every count he faced, multiple outlets report.
The New York Times noted that Trump appeared “glum” as the verdict was read, while other reports said jurors avoided eye contact with the former president, looking at the judge or the ground.
“He frowned as 34 guilty counts were read out,” CNN posted on X.
Judge Juan Merchan will determine Trump’s sentence, with a hearing set for July 11—just four days before the Republican National Convention.
Trump is expected to appeal the ruling, potentially delaying any punishment. Each of the 34 counts carries a possible fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to four years in prison.
In theory, Trump could face up to $170,000 in fines and 136 years in prison if given the maximum sentence on all counts.
However, legal experts suggest it’s highly unlikely Trump will be sentenced to prison as a first-time offender, noting that defendants typically receive sentences well below the maximum term.
Both prosecutors and Trump’s attorneys will present their recommendations for sentencing prior to the hearing.
The jury reached its verdict after nearly six weeks of testimony and deliberations that began Wednesday morning.
The case centered on whether Trump should be convicted for issuing reimbursement checks to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who paid $130,000 to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election to silence allegations of an affair with Trump.
Following the verdict, Trump called the ruling a “disgrace,” describing the trial as “rigged” and maintaining his innocence.
He returned to Trump Tower after making these comments, waving to a crowd of supporters and protesters after experiencing a traffic delay, according to CNN.
