New York: Former US President Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a historic criminal trial in New York. It is the first time a former or serving US president has been convicted of a crime.
He will be sentenced on July 11. The former president could face prison, however legal experts told the media a fine could be a more likely outcome.
Trump called the verdict a “disgrace” and attacks the judge who presided over the case. Shares in Trump Media & Technology Group fell by more than 6% to $48.66 each in extended trading following the events in court.
The verdict comes as Trump campaigns to defeat Joe Biden in November’s election and return to the White House.
The court heard from 22 witnesses over six weeks, including Stormy Daniels, whose alleged sexual encounter with Trump was at the centre of this case, a BBC report said.
Trump stood accused of concealing a payment made by his former lawyer to buy the former adult film star’s silence shortly before the 2016 elections.
The 12 jurors deliberated for two days before reaching the unanimous verdict.
One of Trump’s top lawyers has told Fox News that former president’s legal team is “considering all options” for appeal.
“Every aspect of this case is ripe for appeal,” said Will Scharf. We are going to appeal as quickly as we can.”
