Former President Trump Found Guilty: Legal Experts Predict Outcome and Voting Rights Impact

Former President Donald Trump has been convicted of 34 felony counts in a landmark hush money case following a verdict by a New York jury. Trump has labeled the trial as ‘disgraceful’, with his legal team signalling intentions to appeal.

The charges brought against Trump carry a maximum sentence of four years in prison, although legal experts have indicated that the former president may end up with a much milder penalty, such as probation. Lauren-Brooke Eisen, from the Brennan Center for Justice, had anticipated before the trial that it’s improbable for a first-time nonviolent offender to face imprisonment.

Paul Butler, a legal expert and former federal prosecutor, believes that Trump is unlikely to receive a prison sentence despite the severity of the charges. Nevertheless, some ex-prosecutors maintain that incarceration could be more probable than commonly perceived.

New York Judge Juan Merchan has slated the sentencing for July 11, just days ahead of the Republican National Convention. There’s a possibility that Merchan may defer Trump’s sentence until the appeals process is finalized.

The sentencing outcome, apart from its legal ramifications, would also significantly impact Trump’s voting rights. Trump is registered to vote in Florida, where the interpretation of the law on felony convictions could render him ineligible to vote.

Justin Levitt, an election law expert at Loyola Marymount University, elucidated that Florida dictates ineligibility to vote for individuals convicted of felonies in other states if the conviction would have barred voting rights in the convicting state. Meanwhile, New York only restricts voting rights for felons while they are incarcerated.

If Trump avoids imprisonment in New York, he is expected to retain his voting rights this fall, assuming no conflicting legal rulings. Stephen Fowler and Clayton Kincade have contributed to the comprehensive coverage of this developing story.