After weeks of hearing testimony, jurors in former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial started their first day of deliberation.
Both the defense and prosecution wrapped up their closing arguments Tuesday afternoon, allowing the judge to instruct jurors this morning. Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, addressed the jury for under three hours. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass spoke for approximately 4.5 hours.
If a guilty verdict is reached, the judge could sentence Trump to probation or up to four years on each count in state prison. The maximum is 20 years, though this is unlikely.
Trump faces 34 first-degree felony counts of falsifying business records. He is also accused of covering up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
This event occurred before the 2016 election when Trump and Daniels allegedly had an affair. These payments were organized to keep her quiet about it. Trump maintains that he never was involved with her.
