Decision to prosecute Donald Trumpin a 2016 case about funding his ex-lover to keep their relationship secret, is before a Manhattan grand jury that has been hearing witnesses for weeks.

A possible prosecution of Trump, who is running for the 2024 presidential nomination, would be something unprecedented in American history.

The forces of repression are preparing for possible violent incidents, following Trump’s announcement on Saturday that a third would be arrested today and his call to supporters to “demonstrate and save America”.

Possible litigation will be a serious test of the strength of the already divided Republican Party on whether Trump should be nominated next summer, in part because of his attempt to undermine his defeat in the 2020 election.

But how exactly did the investigation of finances now begin? And what could be the consequences on the way to the US elections?

Is it possible to bring the former president to criminal responsibility?

Usually yes. Justice Department policy prohibits federal prosecution of an incumbent. However, Trump, two years after leaving office no longer enjoys this legal shield. And the New York case is not a federal investigation anyway.

What is the study about?

Panel investigates Trump’s involvement in $130,000 payment in 2016 Stormy Danielsformer sex film actress in order not to reveal her relationship with Trump shortly before the presidential election, which was won by the Republican.

According to the New York prosecutor’s office, it was about corruption to influence the outcome of the presidential election by covering up Trump’s misbehavior, and therefore a covert donation to the presidential campaign, in violation of campaign finance laws.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, allegedly received money from Trump’s then-lawyer. Michael Cohen through a shell company before the Trump organization bills for “legal fees.”

Prior to this incident, Cohen settled another similar case, as he allegedly paid $150,000 to former Playboy model Karen McDougal withdraw information about her affair with Trump in the controversial magazine The National Enquirer in order to prevent a possible scandal that would damage Trump’s image just a few months before the election.

Regarding the disbursement of these funds, Cohen stated guilty for violating federal campaign finance laws. Federal prosecutors say payments amounted to illegal, undeclared aid to the Trump campaign.

Now, U.S. Attorney Alvin Bragg’s team is investigating whether Trump or someone close to him committed a crime by arranging payments in New York State. If the payment to Cohen is found to have been improperly made, Trump could be charged with a misdemeanor in New York or a felony if the intent was to cover up a second offense, the Times notes.

In any case, Trump denies having sex with two women.

Jury and Trial

The jury consists of representatives of the local community and is similar to a jury trial. However, unlike juries in trials, the so-called “grand jury” does not decide the guilt or innocence of the accusedbut only if there is sufficient evidence to initiate a criminal case. These juries exist in the federal court system as well as in many states.

Procedures done behind closed doorswhich means that not only public opinion and the media, but also the judges or lawyers of the accused are not present.

Prosecutors call and cross-examine witnesses, and jurors may also ask questions. New York jury trials consists of 23 people. Each meeting must be attended by at least 16 people.

To bring charges, prosecutors meet with the jury, read and determine the elements of the crime. Chase, at least 12 out of 23 people must agree. If not, then the case is closed. The jury may also decide that there is insufficient evidence of a crime by instructing the prosecutor make fewer charges.

Political implications

The possible impeachment of Donald Trump is expected to cause a political earthquake, but does not necessarily cause damage him before the election.

And Trump himself claims that a possible prosecution will help him in the presidential race.

According to American journalists, the former owner of the White House fears a possible arrest, criminal charges may benefit him rally your basebut also his internal party critics or opponents of the anointing.

“The New York District Attorney is doing more today than anyone else in the United States to help Donald Trump become president,” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said yesterday, calling the prosecution “selective.”

Republican Governor Of Florida, Ron DeSandis, who is expected to run for president in the coming months., speaking out against Trump, criticized the legal investigation against him as “politically motivated and fundamentally flawed.” However, he criticized Trump, distancing himself and noting that “I personally don’t know what it’s like to secretly pay a porn star to keep quiet about an alleged affair.”

Even former Vice President Mike Pence, who distanced himself from Trump after the storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, expressed his support.

The prosecution is “politically motivated,” said Trump’s former right-hand man, who also has ambitions for 2024, so he cares about his image. He expressed “confusion” at the idea that the former president could be prosecuted by that prosecutor “at a time when a wave of crime” is sweeping through New York.

Will we see Trump in handcuffs?

In accordance with Anna Kominskya law professor and former forensic scientist, the most likely scenario is that Trump’s attorneys will make a deal with the DA’s office to avoid the issue of Trump’s handcuffs and the infamous “criminal walk”(public police escort to be immortalized by the media, as was done, for example, in the case of Dominique Strauss-Kahn or Harvey Weinstein).

“There’s a big chance surrender which means we won’t see the image of the police knocking on Mar-a-Lago’s door at 5am, raiding and handcuffing him,” she says, adding, “He will voluntarily show up at the DA’s office and then be arrested , fingerprinted and photographed.

However, Kominsky is not entirely sure that Trump would like to avoid this public impeachment “scandal”, citing considerations of publicity and vote hunting.

“He does not shy away from chaos, therefore he can use it to his advantagehe notes.

Source: Associated Press.