On March 30, Trump was indicted on 34 charges of falsifying documents in connection to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. An indictment is a formal accusation of a committed crime, but does not mean any crime has been committed beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trump is the first current or past President of the United States to be indicted of a crime.
In most cases when one is indicted, they are arrested and informed of the charges. Following Trump’s indictment being made public, officials negotiated that a traditional arrest would not take place in exchange for his self surrender.
On April 4, Trump surrendered himself to the office of the Manhattan District Attorney, which led to his arraignment, which is a formal reading of accusations, so that a defendant is aware of exactly what they are accused of.
At this time, Trump is still not guilty of any crimes, only charged as such.
What appeared to be photographs of Trump being arrested surfaced online, but any photographs of Trump being arrested are fraudulent.
Beyond being fingerprinted, Trump’s experience inside the Manhattan District Attorney’s office was quite different from most charged, as he was escorted in by members of the Secret Service, spent little time in custody, was not handcuffed, and no mugshot was taken, and.
Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges, denying all responsibility associated with the accusations and claiming innocence.
Trump and his lawyers have until Aug. 8 to make any pre-trial motions, such as a motion to dismiss or a motion for a change of venue. The New York State Government must respond to any motions by Sept. 19.
A judge will rule on any proposed motions in the next in-person court hearing, which will take place on Dec. 4. No convictions will be made at this court hearing, and a trial will not begin until 2024, if at all.
It is completely possible for the charges to be dropped or the case to be dismissed without Trump ever going to trial.
The charges against Trump do not prohibit him from running in the 2024 Presidential Election, and he has not retracted his presidential bid.
