Jury deliberations in Donald Trump ‘s criminal hush money trial began Wednesday after the panel received instructions from the judge on the law governing the case and what they can take into account in evaluating the former president’s guilt or innocence.
Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, charges that are punishable by up to four years in prison, though the judge would have discretion to issue a probationary sentence in the event of a conviction.
At the heart of the charges are reimbursements paid to former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen for a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels in exchange for not going public with her claim about a 2006 sexual encounter with Trump.
After jurors left the courtroom to begin deliberations, Judge Juan M. Merchan told Trump and his lawyers that they were required to remain in the courthouse.
“You cannot leave the building. We need you to be able to get here quickly if we do receive a note,” Merchan said.
The Current10:50Jury deliberates in Trump hush money trial
The jury is set to deliberate in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. The Washington Post’s Devlin Barrett takes us inside a wild trial that is already having political ramifications.
Intent to conceal crime needed, judge says
It is the first time a jury has ever considered criminal charges against a former president. Trump, who is expected to the Republican candidate for president a third consecutive time, also faces three criminal indictments in other jurisdictions, though those cases have been bogged down in delays and over outstanding legal issues.
The historic deliberations followed Tuesday’s whirlwind of closing arguments, during which prosecutor Joshua Steinglass accused Trump of intentionally deceiving voters by allegedly participating in a “catch-and-kill” scheme to bury stories that might obliterate his 2016 presidential bid.
WATCH l Recapping the closing arguments in the case:
The prosecution and defence make their arguments at the Donald Trump hush-money trial, where the prosecution is arguing the evidence is irrefutable and the defence argues Trump is the real victim and key witness Michael Cohen can’t be trusted.
The defence targeted the credibility of star witness Cohen. Defence lawyer Todd Blanche branded Trump’s former lawyer as “the greatest liar of all time” while urging jurors to quickly acquit his client.
Prosecutors are required to prove two elements for each…
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