Trump convicted on all counts in historic hush-money trial

It’s unclear whether Trump will serve any prison time, although he could face as much as four years. Some legal experts say it’s unlikely; The charges are among New York’s least-severe felonies, and he is a first-time offender. But this is an unprecedented case and Judge Merchan has discretion here. “Knowing most judges in New York, they’re going to want to show that no one is above the law,” one said, and to that end, some of Trump’s behavior during the trial might come back to haunt him at sentencing, particularly his gag order violations. Trump will almost certainly appeal the conviction, meaning he would likely remain free until that’s resolved.

Regardless of the verdict, Trump has sought to portray himself as a martyr. Seemingly anticipating a conviction, he told reporters on Wednesday “Mother Teresa could not beat these charges.” If he was acquitted, the Biden administration, and by extension, the courts, persecuted him for political gains and to punish his supporters, a frequent campaign refrain. Before the jury returned its decision, the New York Times predicted Trump would be “angry and vengeful,” citing his behavior following his past impeachments.

Trump’s conviction could tip the scales in the upcoming presidential election: Polls suggest a fifth of Trump’s current supporters would reconsider or withdraw support if he is convicted of a crime — enough to make a difference in what is expected to be a nail-biter race. But not necessarily. “People are really bad at predicting what is actually going to sway their vote in the end,” ABC News’s senior editor and elections analyst said. “They might say a conviction turns them off Trump a little, but still vote for him in the end.”