# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024)
**URL:** 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
**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:** 311
### Author:  [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 3:19am 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-30-2024/980953/6201 "2024-08-16T03:19:41Z")
As I have said, he has a Secret Service retinue. They work for the government. If he tried to go to Venezuela to escape justice, they would simply not allow it.
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### Author:  [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 3:34am 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-30-2024/980953/6202 "2024-08-16T03:34:03Z")
> [@eschereal](#):
>
> As I have said, he has a Secret Service retinue.
We were watching a show about Emperor Nero’s Domus Aurea, that mentioned his Pretorian Guard abandoning him. I couldn’t help but think of Trump.
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### Author:  [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 4:58am 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-30-2024/980953/6203 "2024-08-16T04:58:37Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#):
>
> Maybe the headline has it wrong, but it really does read like Trump is saying he’ll stop complaining if the judge pushes back the trial date.
So we’re at the bargaining part of the five stages of grief? Trump tends to view relationships as transactional, so this isn’t a surprise. He’s got to be afraid of two things right now regarding the verdict. The first is being sentenced to prison which I think is likely. Yes, he’s a first time felon, but he didn’t plead out and there was no contrition on his part before, during, or after the trial. Trump second worry is whether a sentence will negatively impact his odds of being elected.
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### Author:  [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 6:11am 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-30-2024/980953/6204 "2024-08-16T06:11:33Z")
> [@DavidNRockies](#):
>
> In theory, there could eventually come a time when the Mafia sues Donald Trump for copyright infringement.
I dunno. Trademark misappropriation might be the stronger complaint. Even though the trademark hasn’t been registered.
Maybe identity theft/misuse of likeness?
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### Author:  [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 7:42am 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-30-2024/980953/6205 "2024-08-16T07:42:49Z")
Slander or libel? I mean, he’s doing the same things they might, but he’s getting caught and he’s such a buffoon.
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### Author:  [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 12:13pm 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-30-2024/980953/6206 "2024-08-16T12:13:29Z")
> [@Odesio](#):
>
> being sentenced to prison which I think is likely.
Prison time seems improbable to me. Judge Merchan knows that a jail sentence on a presidential candidate would cause an absolute earthquake in our political system, destabilizing the country. Justice is not blind, and a court decision should legitimately take into account not just the individual’s guilt, but also the wider effects on society.
.
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### Author:  [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 12:23pm 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-30-2024/980953/6207 "2024-08-16T12:23:12Z")
Then you believe that all citizens are not equal under the law?
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### Author:  [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 12:27pm 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-30-2024/980953/6208 "2024-08-16T12:27:20Z")
> [@chappachula](#):
>
> Prison time seems improbable to me. Judge Merchan knows that a jail sentence on a presidential candidate would cause an absolute earthquake in our political system, destabilizing the country. Justice is not blind, and a court decision should legitimately take into account not just the individual’s guilt, but also the wider effects on society.
Not sentencing him to some kind of jail sentence sets a bad example and a dangerous precedent. Maybe he could serve weekends or something. Enough to be an inconvenience, but he could still campaign. “Should have thought of that before” are the wise words that come to mind—Trump earned whatever punishment he gets. Clearly a stern warning will not be enough.
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### Author:  [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)
#### Post date: [August 16, 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-30-2024/980953/6209 "2024-08-16T12:28:25Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#):
>
> Then you believe that all citizens are not equal under the law?
No I don’t believe that some citizens are more equal than others.
But I do know that in reality, that’s the way the system works.
Ted Kennedy got drunk and left his girlfriend to drown in the wrecked car. If I did that, do you think I would be found not guilty just like him? After all, we’re both equal under the law.
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### Author:  [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)
#### Post date: [August 16, 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-30-2024/980953/6210 "2024-08-16T12:33:22Z")
> [@Northern\_Piper](#):
>
> “You guys know the law.”
For whatever reason it reminded me of one time before the 7th Circuit. I was advancing a not terribly persuasive argument which was entirely consistent with a published DCt decision. Judge (What a) Dick Posner whined at me, “Counsel, how can you SAY that?” With supreme effort, I refrained from observing that I thought it had something to do with the passage of air over my vocal cords… 😉
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### Author:  [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 12:47pm 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-30-2024/980953/6211 "2024-08-16T12:47:27Z")
> [@chappachula](#):
>
> Judge Merchan knows that a jail sentence on a presidential candidate would cause an absolute earthquake in our political system, destabilizing the country.
Surely the primary cause of any such earthquake is the commission of the felony and not the sentence for it, no? Assigning all the blame to the judge who must impose it seems to rather miss the mark.
That said, I wonder if the judge might be contemplating delaying the start of any prison sentence, or even its pronouncement, until after the election. This way, the defendant wouldn’t be deprived of any campaigning opportunities, and if he wins, he would have more compelling grounds (politically if not legally) to appeal the sentence and to get that appeal fast-tracked.
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### Author:  [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)
#### Post date: [August 16, 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-30-2024/980953/6212 "2024-08-16T13:13:05Z")
“don’t do the crime, if you can’t do the time” (don’t do it!)
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### Author:  [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 1:23pm 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-30-2024/980953/6213 "2024-08-16T13:23:41Z")
> [@chappachula](#):
>
> No I don’t believe that some citizens are more equal than others.
Then what do you mean by this:
> [@chappachula](#):
>
> a court decision should legitimately take into account not just the individual’s guilt, but also the wider effects on society.
I would’ve assumed you meant that you think people should be treated equally, but they’re not. However, this statement sounds like you’re advocating for a system in which we don’t hold people accountable for their actions if they have the ability to get the unwashed masses whipped up into a, potentially violent, frenzy.
I can see Merchan pushing sentencing back until after the trial, especially if he doesn’t think Trump will win. But I can’t see how not sentencing him is a good thing. Yes, jailing him might cause some societal issues, but telling someone that running for president, or being president, means they can get away with whatever they want, is a terrible idea. It’s the polar opposite of ‘we need to hold these people to a higher standard’ saying that gets trotted out every time someone in a position of authority breaks the law (ie local police chief gets pulled over for a DUI and the charges are dropped). To which my response is that we don’t need to hold them a higher standard, just the same standard as everyone else.
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### Author:  [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 1:25pm 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-30-2024/980953/6214 "2024-08-16T13:25:04Z")
> [@chappachula](#):
>
> Prison time seems improbable to me. Judge Merchan knows that a jail sentence on a presidential candidate would cause an absolute earthquake in our political system, destabilizing the country. Justice is not blind, and a court decision should legitimately take into account not just the individual’s guilt, but also the wider effects on society.
Would it? I think everyone has been prepared for the possibility of Trump being sentenced to prison prior to the election. The Republicans deliberately nominated an individual who had multiple pending criminal and civil cases against them. They made their bed and now they have to lie in it. Being a presidential candidate shouldn’t confer any special privileges in regards to immunity from the crimes they committ. I’m fine with the earthquake because slapping Trump’s wrist will only bring more trouble as politicians are emboldened to break the law with impunity.
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### Author:  [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 2:26pm 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-30-2024/980953/6215 "2024-08-16T14:26:09Z")
> [@Biffster](#):
>
> Not sentencing him to some kind of jail sentence sets a bad example and a dangerous precedent. Maybe he could serve weekends or something.
How about a suspended sentence?
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### Author:  [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 2:39pm 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-30-2024/980953/6216 "2024-08-16T14:39:39Z")
Can’t a prison sentence be imposed but delayed pending appeal? That gets us past the election.
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### Author:  [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 2:42pm 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-30-2024/980953/6217 "2024-08-16T14:42:23Z")
Yes. The technical way to refer to it is to stay the jail term.
Trump is not going to prison on this one, only jail. But that’s how I expect it will be handled. Sentence imposed, jail term stayed to a date past the election.
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### Author:  [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 2:44pm 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-30-2024/980953/6218 "2024-08-16T14:44:02Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> How about a suspended sentence?
I can’t speak for NY criminal law, but in my experience in Canada, the equivalent of a suspended sentence is for an accused who shows contrition, promises to go straight, agrees to conditions, makes restitution to victims, enters therapy (if psychological conditions are involved), and so on.
The court then suspends passing sentence to see if the accused fulfills the promises. If the accused does so, sentence is not imposed. If the accused breaches conditions, then the court will consider whether to impose the sentence. That’s why it’s called “suspended”.
If NY state law uses similar standards, then Trump in all probability wouldn’t be eligible, because he doesn’t meet those sorts of conditions.
@Aspenglow , is that how it works in your experience?
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### Author:  [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 3:02pm 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-30-2024/980953/6219 "2024-08-16T15:02:00Z")
Screw it, I want jail time, and I want the term “consecutively” instead of “concurrently” in the sentencing for each of the THIRTY-FOUR FELONIES; and I want a pony.
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### Author:  [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)
#### Post date: [August 16, 2024, 3:04pm 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-30-2024/980953/6220 "2024-08-16T15:04:47Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#):
>
> …Judge (What a) Dick Posner whined at me, “Counsel, how can you SAY that?” With supreme effort, I refrained from observing that I thought it had something to do with the passage of air over my vocal cords… 😉
Thank og I had finished my coffee. I’m still chuckling. bravo
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