For the first time in history, a former U.S. President has been found guilty of criminal charges.
Donald J. Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican Presidential nominee and former president, was convicted today on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.
At 5:42 p.m., on his way back to Trump Tower, he posted to Truth Social: "THIS WAS A DISGRACE—A RIGGED TRIAL BY A CONFLICTED JUDGE WHO IS CORRUPT. WE WILL FIGHT FOR OUR CONSTITUTION—THIS IS LONG FROM OVER!"
Justice Juan Merchan set a sentencing date of July 11, days before the Republican Convention set for July 15-18. Each guilty count could carry up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine, but the Justice has wide leeway in his sentencing. Punishments could be limited to a fine only, probation or home confinement.
Merchan instructed defense to submit any motions no later than June 13 and said prosecutors must respond by June 27.
Trump still faces 54 counts between three other cases, two are in federal court and the other case is in Fulton County, Georgia.
"The real verdict going to be Nov. 5 by the people," Trump said leaving the courtroom, referring to the presidential election.
The conviction adds another layer to presidential campaign. Trump, now a convicted felon, may still run his campaign for president. A criminal conviction does not prohibit candidates from running, nor would it prevent him from sitting as President if he wins the election in November.
Legal analysts predict Trump and his legal team will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. These are the same legal analysts who, while the charges of falsifying business records carry up to four years in prison, hypothesize Trump will not serve time behind bars.