Challenging moments
Challenging moments at the courthouse for former President Donald Trump, who was found guilty of contempt of court in his ongoing trial regarding the Stormy Daniels bribery case. The judge also issued a clear warning about Trump’s future actions, delivering his written decision to the parties and suggesting a possible prison sentence.
9 offenses
Judge Merchan imposed a fine of $9,000, the statutory maximum of $1,000, for nine offenses committed.
Prison!
The judge acknowledged that this sum might seem modest given Trump’s wealth. However, he warned Trump that he could be subject to harsher penalties, such as imprisonment for up to 30 days, if he continued to ignore the court’s directives.
Integrity of justice
The gag order imposed on Trump in this case is designed to preserve the fairness and integrity of justice. It prevents Trump from speaking publicly about the witnesses, judge or jurors involved in the trial.
Truth Social
This measure was imposed on him because of numerous messages published on the Truth Social platform and on his campaign website, where he criticized key players in the case, thereby jeopardizing public perceptions and legal proceedings.
A fair environment
The judge also ordered the removal of several social media posts made by Trump, emphasizing that he would strictly enforce consequences for any future infractions. He stressed that maintaining a fair environment throughout the trial was essential.
An historic trial
Trump faces 34 charges, including falsifying documents related to payments made to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. Trump has denied these allegations, which could lead to a prison sentence if proven during this trial.
The first time
The trial in New York began on April 15, 2024, marking the first time an American president, sitting or not, has been criminally prosecuted.
Bribes
Former President Trump is accused of paying bribes as part of payments to silence Stormy Daniels.
Up to 8 weeks
Trump must be present throughout the trial, which will run four days a week and could last eight weeks.
Jury selection
The jury selection process has begun, with accusations of alleged payments to Stormy Daniels hidden as legal fees.
130000$
A $130,000 payment orchestrated by Trump’s former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is at the center of the trial.
Campaign finance laws
Charges include potential violation of campaign finance laws, election interference and fraud.
34 charges
Donald Trump faces 34 counts related to falsification of business records.
4 years
The maximum penalty for conviction is four years in prison.
Michael Cohen
Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, could testify despite being convicted of separate tax offenses.
Stormy Daniels
Testimony is also being considered from Stephanie Clifford (Stormy Daniels) and Karen McDougal, who claim to have had affairs with Trump and received hush payments during the 2016 campaign.
Major legal significance
This trial is of major legal importance and could set significant precedents in American legal history.
New York
All eyes are on New York as this captivating story unfolds.
The beginning
The trial has just begun, with jury selection and opening arguments from the prosecutors!
Facing the media
Trump was accompanied by his lawyer, Todd Blanche, to face the media.
Stormy Daniels
In particular, Trump is accused of having concealed payments to Stormy Daniels that he had initially denied before later admitting that she had indeed received a significant sum of money. How these payments were made is at the heart of the case.
Falsifying documents
Trump will also have to face charges from prosecutors about falsifying documents.
A scandal
Prosecutors say the charges are related to an attempt to cover up a potential scandal that occurred before and after the 2016 presidential election.
Unprecedented
This unprecedented criminal trial, preceded by meticulous jury selection by the defense, is attracting intense interest from the media, Americans and the world!
The 2016 election
Prosecutors argue that Trump took part in a meeting for the purpose of falsifying legal documents.
The defense
In their opening arguments, the defense asserts that all actions taken in this case were carried out legally, from their point of view.