# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [March 9, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953 "2023-03-09T22:53:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 254
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5061 "2024-05-30T03:39:38Z")
Okay, question: the OP of the verdict prediction thread seemed to be under the impression that Trump was facing a single felony count and 34 misdemeanor counts. Someone posting there questioned this. What’s the dope? ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5062 "2024-05-30T03:56:46Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > What’s the dope? The dope is that he was charged with 34 misdemeanor counts of falsifying business records, **each one of which** is upgraded to a felony if done in furtherance of another crime. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5063 "2024-05-30T04:03:15Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > The more sensible approach would be to have a 55inch monitor on the wall and a keyboard and mouse on the conference table, with a dedicated computer that is unconnected to anything but the buzzer in the courtroom Works for me. Get to it, New York! ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5064 "2024-05-30T04:06:14Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > I wrote before that the jury instructions do not mention “election interference.” Literally, that’s true. But looking at it again, this part of the instructions effectively has the same meaning: Given the confusion, even here, I certainly don’t see any harm in quoting a precise law that Cohen and Trump were trying to avoid. Cohen was a NY lawyer so it would make sense that he’d focus on the NY statute in his discussions with Trump. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5065 "2024-05-30T04:20:46Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Yes, because the jury could reach a verdict at any moment, so the accused must be in the courtroom with his lawyers, and the prosecution counsel, and the judge. In the _courtroom_ or merely on the premises? While it would tickle me to think of Trump sitting at the defense table for days on end surely Marchand has other judgy stuff to do. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5066 "2024-05-30T04:32:36Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > The dope is that he was charged with 34 misdemeanor counts of falsifying business records, **each one of which** is upgraded to a felony if done in furtherance of another crime. Thanks for correcting me. (I’m the OP whom Leaper is referring to.) > [@Leaper](#): > > the OP of the verdict prediction thread seemed to be under the impression that Trump was facing a single felony count and 34 misdemeanor counts. Someone posting there questioned this. What’s the dope? ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5067 "2024-05-30T04:37:57Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > In the _courtroom_ or merely on the premises? In my limited experience, in the courthouse or right nearby, so able to get to the courtroom on short notice. Sorry for the ambiguity. For lesser mortals, that may mean being able to nip across the street for a coffee, so long as you leave a cell number with the court clerk, but for His Orangeness, that prôbably wouldn’t be doable, given his media profile, so somewhere in the courthouse, would be my guess. But, IANAUSL. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5068 "2024-05-30T12:28:48Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > Unless, you know, he has a thing he wants to take care of at that place up in Queens that is next to Rikers Island. You mean flee to Russia forever in his 757 parked at La Guardia? Works for me! ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5069 "2024-05-30T12:33:59Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > In the _courtroom_ or merely on the premises? > [@rocking\_chair](#): > > “I’m going to be in the robing room for a little while just in case we get a quick note. Then I’ll probably go upstairs,” Merchan said before he left the bench. “I do direct all of you to be please here. You cannot leave the building.” According to the judge, the parties must be in the building during deliberations. I’m really curious as to where Trump and his lawyers are waiting? ---
**Author:** ![abcdefghij](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/43a26b/32.png) [@abcdefghij](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/abcdefghij)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5070 "2024-05-30T12:36:43Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > I’m really curious as to where Trump and his lawyers are waiting? In the bathroom, with a couple of cartons of classified documents ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5071 "2024-05-30T12:37:33Z")
> [@abcdefghij](#): > > In the bathroom, with a couple of cartons of classified documents Worst game of Clue ever. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5072 "2024-05-30T12:45:34Z")
If the New York courthouse is like courthouses I’ve been in, there will be rooms for lawyers to talk to their clients in private, which can be used while waiting for the jury. Probably pretty minimalist: table, chairs, maybe a couch. Think worn-down government issue decor. Maybe it’ll make it into a Rant: “New York courthouses are a dump! Real disappointment for classy criminal defendants, who expect so much better from New York. That’s why big name criminals are fleeing New York!” ---
**Author:** ![velomont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8491ac/32.png) [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5073 "2024-05-30T13:04:19Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#): > > Think worn-down government issue decor. In Canada - CORCAN furniture 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5074 "2024-05-30T13:13:28Z")
I’m predicting a hung jury and have been the whole time. 1. Some juror is likely a Trump supporter and will never vote guilty. 2. I believe they may be real fear to some over convicting him. Getting doxed, found out. I guess acquittal is possible, but I also think he is very guilty and there could even be anti-Trumpers on there that would never vote not guilty. Anyway, hung jury is my prediction, though I hope for conviction based on the facts of the trial. 🤷‍♂️ ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5075 "2024-05-30T13:16:36Z")
it is my understanding that they have a “war room” thing. i picture a small conference room thing. during the trial trump did not leave for lunch, i’m reckoning that due to all that he has with him and security, they scheduled a conference room, or an office if one was empty. the motorcade is on the move and there are a handfull of people looking at it going by. i saw one trump flag. the new “prosecuting donald trump” episode dropped. as i listened to it, i wondered what the jury is thinking of a defence team that just flat out lied during closing. that blanche said that the access tape was not a big thing, that is like saying jan 6 was a tourist day. that has to have an impact on the jury. on to today’s trial events. we will learn if the jury wants the entire instructions read or just parts of it. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5076 "2024-05-30T13:24:02Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > I’m predicting a hung jury and have been the whole time. While I prefer a guilty verdict I will be satisfied with a hung jury. Okay, Mr. Trump, you’re going to be spending even more time and more money on legal fees as we begin the trial again. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5077 "2024-05-30T13:32:29Z")
The wigging room is adjacent to the robing room. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5078 "2024-05-30T13:49:47Z")
at 9:32 am the jury sent a note with 2 requests. pg 6-35 on the jury instructions will be read. per cnn: Judge Juan Merchan is in the courtroom as the jury is set to continue to deliberate on the hush money case against Donald Trump. The jurors will [likely start the day off with a readback](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/29/politics/takeaways-trump-jury-deliberations) of four separate parts of witness testimony as well as a repeat of the judge’s instructions on the law—requests that they submitted to the court while deliberating yesterday. _Here are the pieces of testimony the jury requested:_ - Pecker’s testimony about his phone conversation with Trump in June 2016 - Pecker’s testimony about not finalizing Trump’s payment to AMI for Karen McDougal’s life rights - Pecker’s testimony about the August 2015 Trump Tower meeting - Cohen’s testimony about the Trump Tower meeting Jurors also want to re-hear [Merchan’s instructions](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/29/politics/read-the-jury-instructions-from-judge-juan-merchan-in-the-trump-hush-money-trial/index.html) on the law that he had given them yesterday. Merchan has asked the jury to clarify this morning whether they wanted the entire, hourlong presentation to be read back, or if there were just portions of it that they needed to hear one more time. Judge Juan Merchan says the court received a new note this morning. The note was sent at 9:32 a.m. ET. This morning’s note includes two requests. Judge Juan Merchan says the jury is requesting the re-reading of the judge’s instructions starting with how the jury considers facts and what inferences they can be drawn from it, including a metaphor about rain. The jury is also asking to hear the instructions related to the charges for count one. Judge Juan Merchan also said he would include all of the disputed witness testimony that had been discussed yesterday in the readback to the jury. That includes another new section pointed out by prosecutor Joshua Steinglass. **Remember:** After the jury was dismissed Wednesday, attorneys for both sides hashed out which sections of testimony would be read to the jurors. They requested three sections of testimony involving AMI chief David Pecker, and one section involving Michael Cohen’s testimony about the August 2015 Trump Tower meeting. The second request in the note is for headphones to use with the evidence laptop. Judge Juan Merchan says they can provide them headphones or speakers. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass suggests they give them both. We’re waiting for the jury to enter the courtroom. [**The full jury instructions can be found here**](https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/press/PDFs/People%20v.%20DJT%20Jury%20Instructions%20and%20Charges%20FINAL%205-23-24.pdf) **.** jury is in the courtroom. here we go. The jury is entering the courtroom. The juror alternates are in the room, too. Meanwhile, Judge Juan Merchan is rereading the notes. Donald Trump briefly fiddled with his tie as Merchan began rereading the notes. rc: eric trump is in court today. Judge Juan Merchan tells the jury they’ve located the relevant excerpts for the read back and are ready to do that shortly. Judge Juan Merchan has started reading the jury instructions back. The reading came after the jury foreman asked aloud in court to have the instructions read back first. Merchan said earlier that pages six to 35 will be read. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5079 "2024-05-30T14:09:05Z")
> [@JKellyMap](#): > > You mean flee to Russia forever in his 757 parked at La Guardia? Works for me! My implication, yes. Which brings up an interesting question for another thread, about how the Secret Service detail would handle a defector in their charge. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [May 30, 2024, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/5080 "2024-05-30T14:12:34Z")
rc: the jury is very attentive, taking notes. trump is leaning back, eyes closed. they are now on page 22 of the instructions, per msnbc. the lawyers at the table on msnbc are saying that from the jury notes, the jury is following the law and as steinglass said in his closing, the tower meeting is the prism. they believe that the jury is focusing in on this. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953.md?page=253) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953.md?page=255)