Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on charges relating to his alleged role in paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Trump will be arraigned Tuesday in Manhattan, but because of his status as a former president, the arraignment will be a little different than usual. Here’s what to know:
What Is The Process?
Trump will arrive at the courthouse early this afternoon to be booked by the investigators. This process includes taking his fingerprints, but will likely not include a mugshot. Normally, a mugshot would be taken, but authorities are concerned that it could be leaked – a violation of state law – and thus it may not be taken.
Trump will not be held in a cell before he’s arraigned, nor will he be handcuffed. He’ll also be accompanied by Secret Service throughout the process. Once in the courtroom, Trump will be arraigned. He is expected to plead not guilty.
Will He Be Sent To Jail?
Almost certainly not. Trump will probably be released on his own recognizance, though there may be some restrictions set on his travel. After arraignment, Trump will be walked through back corridors to leave the courthouse building, where he will get in his motorcade to the airport and fly back to his home in Mar-a-Lago.
Will His Arraignment Be Televised?
No. Although cameras are allowed in the court, Judge Juan Merchan has exercised his discretion not to allow them. Merchan will, however, allow five photographers into the room before the actual arraignment to take still photos.
When Will The Trial Begin?
That’s unclear since we are only at the arraignment stage. A trial could be weeks or months away – if this goes to trial in the first place.
Can Trump Get The Case Tossed?
Trump and his attorneys will likely file a motion to dismiss and will attempt to challenge the charges against him, including arguing that the statute of limitations has expired for this case since the hush money was allegedly paid seven years ago.
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What Kind Of Punishment Is Trump Facing?
Until the indictment is unsealed, we won’t know what charges Trump is actually facing, and what penalties those charges carry if Trump is found guilty.
Will Trump Have A Criminal Record?
Even if Trump is acquitted, the arrest will always be public record, and it is unlikely media outlets will ever let it go.
When Will The Indictment Be Unsealed?
When Trump is arraigned.
Are 34 Charges A Lot?
It seems like a lot, but it’s not unusual and because they all apparently stem from the same underlying crime, it’s likely District Attorney Alvin Bragg padded the indictment in the hopes of getting something to stick.
What Else Is Trump Facing?
Trump is also being investigated for the classified documents found at his home in Florida, as well as an investigation in Washington, D.C., as to whether he committed a crime while trying to halt the results of the 2020 election. Georgia officials are also investigating whether he or his allies illegally interfered in the state’s 2020 election. Georgia’s electoral votes went to President Joe Biden that year.
Trump is also being sued by columnist E. Jean Carroll, who claims Trump raped her in the 1990s. Trump denies the claim, and the only evidence presented so far to support Carroll’s allegations is her own word.