(Dan Tri) – Many questions have been raised about the next developments after former US President Donald Trump denied all 34 accusations and asserted his innocence during his appearance on April 4.
Former US President Donald Trump appeared in court in New York on April 4 (Photo: Reuters).
On the afternoon of April 4 (local time), former US President Donald Trump appeared at Criminal Court in Manhattan District, New York City.
In court, Mr. Trump pleaded innocent to 34 charges of falsifying business records related to suspected cases of spending money to hide information, including the payment of $ 130,000 to adult film actress Stormy Daniels before
After nearly an hour of appearing, Mr. Trump and his team left the court.
What are the next legal developments?
According to Al Jazeera, the indictment against Mr. Trump announced on April 4 kicked off the period called `review`.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 4, so prosecutors and Trump’s defense are likely to file a number of motions – petitions asking the court to make a decision on the issues.
Among the motions may be a petition for complete dismissal of the charges;
`They may request a change of venue because they think it’s impossible to have a fair trial in Manhattan,` Matthew Galluzzo, a former prosecutor at the New York District Attorney’s Office, told Al Jazeera.
The judge at yesterday’s trial was Juan Merchan, who recently presided over a criminal trial involving the Trump Organization on suspicion of tax fraud.
`There may also be a motion to dismiss regarding jurors,` Galluzzo said, referring to the 24-member body tasked with determining that prosecutors have presented enough evidence to
Can Mr. Trump speak publicly about the incident?
Currently, the former US President has such rights.
The public speaking ban has various levels, but is essentially a request from the judge that `you may not, directly or indirectly through a third party, put pressure on witnesses involved in the case.`
On April 4, Judge Merchan warned Mr. Trump not to make any statements that could escalate the unrest or lead to violence against officials handling the case.
How long will it take for the case to go to trial?
Mr. Trump appeared in court on April 4 (Photo: Reuters).
Theoretically, Mr. Trump could reach a plea deal with prosecutors and avoid trial.
According to Reuters, prosecutors said they intended to ask for the trial to begin in January next year, but Mr. Trump’s team proposed a spring 2024 start date.
There is no specific time frame for the proceedings, although Galluzzo said criminal cases tend to move more quickly than civil cases.
`I think if this were a civil case it could be a year, it could be shorter, it could be 5 months. We’re all wondering, will this happen before the election next year?`
Mr. Trump previously announced that he would run for re-election in 2024 and is one of the most influential candidates of the Republican party.
Another question is, if a trial occurs, will it be decided by a jury or a judge.
According to experts, some characters who will likely appear to testify include Ms. Daniels and Mr. Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen – who made the 2016 settlement with adult film stars.
How will the case impact the 2024 US presidential election?
Mr. Trump may face the scenario of having to appear in court hearings, even if they coincide with the time he goes campaigning.
`I think the trial will last 3-4 weeks. Mr. Trump will probably appear in court every day of the month while he is in the race for the White House,` said expert Filipkowski.
On the other hand, according to the law, Mr. Trump – a citizen over 35 years old, born in the US – is still eligible to run and be elected president even if convicted of a felony.
According to former US ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker, in the short term, developments surrounding the incident may help Mr. Trump receive more support from Republican voters in the race to the presidency.
However, Mr. Volker said that there is no certainty about the long-term impact of the incident.
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