In a bizarre post-verdict rant, Trump called Judge Merchan a "devil" who "literally crucified" the witnesses. Merchan can take this and all of Trump's past conduct into account when sentencing him.
I doubt very much that Trump will see jail time. The judge has to be sensitive to the turmoil this would cause in the US, and to him and his family. There would undoubtedly be death threats, at the least.
I’m not sure if his previous civil convictions are a factor in a criminal case. As this is a first criminal conviction (I think), the judge would weight that also.
I would foresee a suspended sentence with several conditions. If Trump then does not comply (as he almost certainly won’t), then the judge would have little choice but to bring the jail time into play.
I just can’t see the judge doing jail time out of the gate.
I doubt very much that Trump will see jail time. The judge has to be sensitive to the turmoil this would cause in the US, and to him and his family. There would undoubtedly be death threats, at the least.
I’m not sure if his previous civil convictions are a factor in a criminal case. As this is a first criminal conviction (I think), the judge would weight that also.
I would foresee a suspended sentence with several conditions. If Trump then does not comply (as he almost certainly won’t), then the judge would have little choice but to bring the jail time into play.
I just can’t see the judge doing jail time out of the gate.
My favorite verdict reaction tweet was Cree Summer's, using a clip from a cartoon character she voiced.