Former U.S. President Donald Trump has become the first American president to be charged with a crime over money payment to a former porn star, Stormy Daniels in 2016 to keep silent.
If he is charged, Trump’s lawyers have indicated that the former president’s arrest would follow standard procedure.That means he would travel from his home at Mar-a-Lago in Florida to make an appearance at the New York City courthouse, complete with a formal booking, fingerprints and mug shots.
Given the historic nature of such a move, and the security concerns involved, the way this would unfold is uncertain – and would likely be the subject of negotiation between the district attorney’s office and Trump’s team.
Once the case is booked and a judge is selected, other details will fall into place, such as the timing of the trial and possible travel restrictions and bail requirements for the defendant. A conviction on a misdemeanour would result in a fine.
But if Trump were convicted on the felony charge, he would face a maximum sentence of four years in prison, although some legal experts predict a fine is more probable, and that any time behind bars is highly unlikely.
Stormy Daniels – the former porn star at the centre of Trump’s indictment – has thanked supporters.
Posting on Twitter, she said: “Thank you to everyone for your support and love.
“I have so many messages coming in that I can’t respond… also don’t want to spill my champagne.”
She claimed merchandise and autograph orders were “pouring in” following the news of the former president’s indictment.
He is being charged with a crime over an alleged hush money payment to Daniels, which it is claimed was paid to keep her quiet about an affair with the former president.
The payment itself was legal – but Trump allegedly recorded it as a business expense. Falsifying business records is illegal in New York, although it is not yet clear what exactly Trump will be charged with.
Reporting by BBC World Service
