Guilty On All Counts (with Joyce Vance, Elie Honig, and Mimi Rocah)
May 31, 2024
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Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance, CNN's Elie Honig, and Mimi Rocah discuss Trump's historic guilty verdict, potential appeals, sentencing process, and analyzing prosecutors' performance. They reflect on respecting the jury's decision, evaluating jury bias, and tease future content.
Historic verdict: Trump convicted of 34 counts, first former president found guilty of a crime.
Jury's unanimous guilty verdict reflects focus on evidence, intent behind falsification of business records.
Deep dives
Trump's Conviction on 34 Felony Counts of Falsifying Business Records
Former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking the first time in US history a former president has been found guilty of a crime. The Manhattan jury reached a verdict after a brief two-day deliberation following a six-week trial. This verdict also makes Trump the first presidential candidate to run as a convicted felon, sparking discussions on the significance of this moment in legal history.
Speed of the Conviction and Jury Deliberation
The speed of the jury's conviction on all counts was a topic of discussion, with opinions varying on whether the jury's quick decision was expected or surprising. Despite the high number of counts to deliberate on, the jury's unanimous guilty verdict reflected their focus on the evidence presented, particularly establishing the intent behind the falsification of business records to cover up other crimes.
Trial Strategy and Defense's Handling of the Case
The podcast delved into the trial strategy employed by Todd Blanche, Trump's defense attorney, and the mixed reactions to his performance. There were discussions about potential missteps in the defense strategy, such as the broad approach taken and the handling of key elements like Michael Cohen's involvement. Points were raised about the need for a more focused and strategic defense approach in cases of this magnitude.
Appeals and Sentencing Outlook
The conversation extended to the potential appeals process and the sentencing phase ahead. Key appellate points, such as the use of federal campaign finance charges in a state court case, and concerns around unanimity among the jury on specific criminal acts were highlighted. Insights on the sentencing process, including the likelihood of incarceration and the prospect of bail pending appeal, were also discussed with considerations for Trump's future legal battles.
A Manhattan jury convicted former President Donald Trump of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The guilty verdict marks the first time in U.S. history that a former president has been found guilty of a crime, and it also makes Trump the first presidential candidate to run as a convicted felon.
On a special episode of Stay Tuned, Preet is joined by his CAFE Insider co-host and former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Joyce Vance, CAFE Contributor and CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig, and Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah.
They discuss the historic verdict, reflect on the trial, and look ahead to sentencing and appeal arguments.
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