Jurors in Donald Trump’s hush money trial finished the first day of closed-door deliberations without reaching a verdict. The 12 jurors and six alternates were due to return to the New York courthouse at 9:30 ET on Thursday to weigh evidence and witness testimony they have seen and heard over the five weeks of trial.
It is unclear when they might reach a verdict.
Testimony against Trump
The former president is charged with falsifying business documents. This was done to cover up a $130,000 payment to silence porn star Stormy Daniels. This is just before the 2016 presidential elections.
Trump has pleaded not guilty and denies a liaison with her. He left the courtroom pumping the air with his fist and ignoring reporters’ questions.
Late in the day, jurors asked Justice Juan Merchan for transcripts of testimony by two witnesses: former Trump fixer Michael Cohen who testified that Trump was aware of the payoff and worked to cover it up.
They also asked for former National Enquirer tabloid publisher David Pecker. Pecker testified about his efforts to bury stories that might hurt Trump’s candidacy.
They also told Merchan they wanted him to repeat the detailed instructions he had given them earlier in the day.
What happens if Trump’s found guilty?
To declare Trump guilty, the verdict requires unanimous agreement by all 12 jurors. The judge will declare a mistrial if they cannot resolve their differences.
Trump, a Republican, has cast the trial as an attempt to undercut his bid to take back the White House from President Biden.
“Mother Teresa could not beat these charges. The whole thing is rigged.”
A conviction, however, will not prevent Trump from trying to take back the White House. Nor will it prevent him from taking office if he wins.
Opinion polls show Trump and Biden locked in a tight race. But Reuters/Ipsos polling has found that a guilty verdict could cost Trump support among independent and some Republican voters.
What punishment could Trump receive if found guilty?
Trump faces up to four years in prison if found guilty. However, those found guilty of the crime he is charged with are more often fined or given probation.
A verdict of not guilty would remove a major legal barrier, freeing Trump from the obligation to juggle court appearances and campaign stops. If convicted, he would be expected to appeal. Trump faces three other criminal prosecutions but they are not expected to go to trial before the November election.
With inputs from Reuters
