Former President Donald Trump’s criminal trial is coming to a close, with closing arguments scheduled to begin on May 28. Here’s a recap of the case.
What Are the Charges?
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has charged President Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a class E felony.
The charges are based on New York Business Law 175.10, which states that a person is guilty of falsifying business records in the first degree when they commit the crime of falsifying business records in the second degree with the intent to defraud and commit another crime or aid in concealing a crime.
The alleged second crime in this case is a violation of New York Election Law 17-152 related to a conspiracy to influence an election.
The 34 records in question involve payments made to Michael Cohen, a former personal attorney to President Trump, which prosecutors claim were reimbursement for payments made to Stormy Daniels to influence the 2016 elections.
Who Testified?
Several witnesses took the stand during the trial, including David Pecker, Rhona Graff, Gary Farro, Robert Browning, Philip Thompson, Keith Davidson, Doug Daus, Georgia Longstreet, Hope Hicks, Jeffrey McConney, and more.
Notable witnesses who did not testify include Dylan Howard and Allen Weisselberg.
Why Didn’t Trump Testify?
President Trump did not testify in the trial due to concerns about the judge’s rulings and other legal considerations.
Will the Case Reach the Jury?
The defense has made requests for the judge to make key decisions before the case goes to the jury, including a motion to dismiss the case or find Mr. Cohen’s testimony not credible. The judge is expected to rule on these motions soon.
What Happens Next?
Closing arguments are set to take place on May 28, and the judge will provide instructions to the jury. The defense and prosecution will present their final arguments, and the jury will then deliberate on the case.
If the jurors do not reach a unanimous decision, the case could end in a mistrial.
