Photo Credit: Evan El-Amin
Donald Trump’s previous year was marked by two trials, four indictments, and a significant civil verdict, amidst other legal challenges and a presidential campaign. However, 2024’s legal landscape for the former president might surpass the prior chaos.
In the coming year, Trump faces the prospect of up to five separate trials and verdicts in two civil cases potentially involving hundreds of millions of dollars. His four pending criminal cases comprise 91 felony counts, some carrying maximum prison terms of 20 years.
Notably, the impending civil damages trial in a defamation case with writer E. Jean Carroll is set for Jan. 16. This trial, focusing on comments Trump made while in office and after a prior $5 million verdict, is expected to last three to five days.
Additionally, the trial dates for the four criminal cases remain uncertain due to Trump’s appeals, but March stands as a probable period for trial, either in Washington, D.C., for federal election interference or in New York’s Manhattan district attorney’s case alleging falsified business records.
Trump denies wrongdoing in the civil and criminal cases, labeling them as “election interference” and attempting to delay the proceedings until after the 2024 elections.
Key Cases Snapshot:
– E. Jean Carroll Defamation Trial: Following a prior verdict, this trial focuses on further damages sought by Carroll, with Trump appealing a $5 million verdict.
– New York Civil Fraud Case: Culminating testimony, this case targets significant penalties and business license dissolution, facing ongoing appeals from Trump.
– Colorado Supreme Court Ruling Appeal: Aiming to bar Trump from the state’s primary ballot, pending U.S. Supreme Court intervention.
– Jack Smith Election Interference Case: Officially set for March 4, currently delayed due to appeals surrounding presidential immunity claims.
– Stormy Daniels Case: Charges related to falsifying business records, potentially coinciding or delayed in light of other ongoing trials.
– Classified Documents Case: Accusations of mishandling sensitive national security information, facing challenges in evidence review and trial date scheduling.
– Georgia Election Interference Case: No set trial date yet, but expected scheduling early this year, marked by delays and allegations against Trump.
The legal outlook for 2024 remains intricate and uncertain, with implications extending beyond the courtroom, potentially influencing future elections and public perceptions.
