Several legal experts have weighed in on the Stormy Daniels hush money case against former President Donald Trump, with some believing the case is weak and difficult for the prosecution to win. Tre Lovell, a corporate law attorney, stated that the case “reeks of a desperate attempt to go after Trump” and that Trump has a reasonable alibi motive for the alleged payment of hush money. Lovell argued that Trump’s reasons for hiding the payment were personal and had nothing to do with the election, creating reasonable doubt that could lead to an acquittal.
The charges against Trump include falsifying business records in an attempt to cover up the payment of $130,000 in hush money to Stormy Daniels. While falsification of business records is typically a misdemeanor in New York law, prosecutors are alleging that Trump committed felonies by falsifying records to cover up another crime. The alleged payments were facilitated by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who pleaded guilty to campaign finance violations in 2018. The case marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president is standing trial in a criminal case.
Some legal experts believe that the presence of a Trump supporter on the jury could prevent a guilty verdict, as unanimity is required in criminal trials. Robert Swafford, a legal expert and founder of Strike for Cause Jury Consultants, stated that if a “MAGA supporter” is on the jury, they could potentially derail the case by issuing a not guilty verdict regardless of the evidence presented. Both legal teams are likely conducting research on prospective jurors to determine their backgrounds and potential biases that could impact the trial’s outcome.
In addition to the Stormy Daniels hush money case, Trump is facing criminal trials related to mishandling classified documents, obstructing their return, and alleged attempts to overthrow the 2020 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated. The outcome of these trials could have significant implications for Trump’s future political aspirations, particularly as he is considered a potential candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
Overall, the legal landscape surrounding the Stormy Daniels hush money case and other criminal trials involving Trump is complex and contentious. Legal experts have differing opinions on the strength of the cases against Trump and the potential impact of jury composition on the verdict. As the trials unfold, the public will be closely watching to see how these legal challenges may shape Trump’s political trajectory and reputation in the years to come.
