(NEXSTAR) – Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a New York courtroom Thursday, but we don’t yet know what his punishment will be.
While the jury announced the verdict Thursday, the sentencing hearing isn’t until July 11. That’s when Judge Juan Merchan will decide on what punishment is appropriate.
Each felony charge carries with it a potential prison sentence of four years. While a prison sentence is possible, it is not required. It’s largely up to the judge’s discretion what comes next.
So while prison time isn’t out of the question, it’s far from a guarantee, legal analysts say. At 77 years old, the former president’s age may be a factor in deciding on prison time, the Washington Post reports. He would also be a first-time offender, making a prison sentence less likely. Judge Merchan will also consider other factors, such as if Trump poses a danger to the community or if letting him walk free would send a bad message to others tempted to commit the same crimes.
Even if he were sentenced to multiple prison terms – one for each of his 34 guilty verdicts, for example – Trump would likely serve the terms concurrently, Politico reports.
Judge Merchan could decide to issue a lighter sentence, such as home confinement, probation or “conditional discharge,” which means he would be set free on certain conditions set by the judge.
To further complicate things, Trump is expected to appeal the verdict, further dragging out the legal process.
The guilty verdict does not bar Trump from continuing his bid for presidency in the 2024 election. If he does win, and once again becomes president, he also could not pardon himself in this case, NPR reports, because it’s a state, not federal, crime.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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