Former President Donald Trump’s guilty verdict could indicate jail time with constant Secret Service detail and conditions far less luxe than his current reality via The Sun.
It has been noted that Trump was found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records and he became the first former US president convicted of a crime. Trump is set to be sentenced on July 11 by Judge Juan Merchan – just days before he is expected to become the GOP presidential nominee at the Republican National Convention.
Following the verdict, in the Lower Manhattan courtroom, New York County District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, who brought the case against Trump, didn’t say whether he’d seek a prison sentence.
Trump faces up to four years behind bars per count, though Merchan is expected to have those run concurrently, not consecutively, if he does impose a prison sentence. It is noted that The judge could also sentence the former president to probation.
It is expected that Trump will appeal his conviction – a process that could take months. During the appeal process, Trump will likely remain free to continue campaigning for reelection ahead of the November 5 presidential election.
However, if Trump is sentenced to any length of time behind bars, it will be unprecedented for a variety of reasons. Trump is potentially the first former president to be jailed for any reason and he would legally require Secret Service agents with him 24/7.
A rotating detail of agents would be armed at all times to protect Trump, despite strict rules against firearms in prisons, officials familiar with the situation told The New York Times.
Trump would have to be kept separate from all other inmates for safety purposes. On top of the general safety asks, they’d also be tasked with screening Trump’s items and food. But Trump would likely not be permitted to have items like hair gel or makeup.
Ample space would be needed to house Trump plus his Secret Service detail. several New York state prisons with empty wings could potentially fit the bill should Trump be sentenced to jail time, according to The New York Times. If sentenced to one year or less behind bars, Trump could be sent to Rikers Island, where his former CFO Allen Weisselberg is currently serving time after his conviction.
