Donald Trump is reportedly poised to appeal his recent judgment after being found guilty of 34 felony counts on Thursday, which could delay the start of his sentence until the appellate court rules.
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The conviction, which came more than a year after his Manhattan indictment was unsealed, was determined by an anonymous 12-person jury that deliberated two days before reaching a unanimous verdict. According to PEOPLE, Trump’s legal team immediately requested the judge to overrule the jury’s decision and acquit him, a motion that was promptly denied.
In response to the verdict, the former president said the trial was “rigged” and vowed to “fight to the end.” With the jury’s conviction, Trump faces four years in prison, although he is also eligible for a lesser sentence of probation and a fine. The final decision will be made by New York Judge Juan Merchan, who is scheduled to announce his ruling on July 11. In New York, to appeal a criminal conviction, the defendant or their attorney must file a notice of appeal within 30 days of the judgment.
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After the appeal and trial transcript are filed, the process formally begins with the court’s Return on Appeal. There isn’t a specific timeline for the appeal process, and Trump can request a delay in starting his sentence until the Appeals Court reaches a decision. The delay could potentially extend until Election Day.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office charged Trump with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, alleging his mislabeled hush money payments as legal expenses on financial documents. The prosecution argued that he made a $130,000 payment fo Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election to keep quiet about an alleged sexual encounter. His charges were elevated from misdemeanors to felonies by claiming Trump sought to conceal a broader conspiracy to influence the election.