In the hush money trial against Donald Trump, the jury had not yet reached a verdict on the first day of its deliberations. The twelve jurors were suspended until Thursday at 9:30 am (local time, 3:30 pm CEST). The verdict must be unanimous, so the decision may take a long time.
The lawsuit accuses Trump of falsifying business documents related to hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.
34 individual costs
His personal attorney Michael Cohen gave Daniels the money in 2006 to prevent revelations about an alleged sexual affair. Trump has admitted that he paid Cohen back the money. However, the presidential candidate has rejected the accusations in the trial – 34 individual charges – and spoke of a politically motivated process. He denies having an affair with Daniels.
On the first day of deliberations, the jury received transcripts of statements from Cohen and former publisher of the National Enquirer tabloid David Pecker. He had testified about his efforts to prevent stories from spreading that could damage Trump’s candidacy.
Three scenarios
The jury’s deliberations can end in three ways: with an acquittal, a guilty verdict, or a “hung jury” if unanimity could not be achieved. In the latter case, the trial would be considered a mistrial and have to start over, including a new jury.
The judge will decide on the sentence at a later date. The 77-year-old Trump theoretically risks a maximum of four years in prison. However, that would be unusual. It remains to be seen whether a conviction could fundamentally damage his efforts to be re-elected US president in November.
Source: Krone
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