The ongoing criminal investigation into former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the Stormy Daniels hush money case has raised questions about whether he could face jail time if convicted of falsifying business records. While the focus has been on Trump, the charge of falsifying business records in the first degree is a serious crime that carries significant penalties.
It's official: Donald Trump is the:
1st man in the Oval Office to be impeached twice
1st man in the Oval Office to incite an insurrection
1st to lose the popular vote TWICE
and now . . . the first to be INDICTED.
But the media is missing the biggest reason this is so… pic.twitter.com/IB0m4u5C5E
— Mary L Trump (@MaryLTrump) March 30, 2023
Falsifying business records in the first degree is a Class E felony in New York State, punishable by up to four years in prison. It involves knowingly and intentionally making false entries in a business record with the intent to defraud or deceive. The charge can also be brought for altering, destroying, or concealing a business record with the same intent.
Business records can include any documents or records used in the course of conducting business, such as invoices, receipts, contracts, or financial statements. In the Stormy Daniels case, prosecutors are investigating whether Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, falsified records to cover up the hush money payment to the porn actress.
Also read | Who is Juan Merchan, judge touted to try Donald Trump in Stormy Daniels hush money case?
If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison for each count of falsifying business records in the first degree. However, it is important to note that this charge is just one of several that Trump could face in connection with the hush money payment. Prosecutors may also bring charges of campaign finance violations or conspiracy to commit fraud, which carry even stiffer penalties.
While it remains to be seen whether Trump will ultimately be convicted in the Stormy Daniels case, the charge of falsifying business records is a serious offense that is taken seriously by prosecutors. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, including not only prison time but also fines, probation, and damage to one’s reputation and career.
🚨MAJOR BREAKING: Donald Trump has officially been INDICTED by a Manhattan grand jury on criminal charges relating to his illegal hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels.
Trump is the FIRST president in U.S. history to be indicted. He’ll soon be booked, fingerprinted and have his… pic.twitter.com/ZEyMDNeN0u
— Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) March 30, 2023
It is also important to note that the severity of the penalty for this crime may depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Factors such as the amount of money involved, the extent of the deception, and the defendant’s prior criminal record may all be taken into account when determining the sentence.
In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction for falsifying business records can also have civil consequences. Victims of the fraud may be able to sue for damages, and the defendant may be required to pay restitution or other financial penalties.
Also read | Donald Trump indictment: How New York Police Department, Alvin Bragg plan to arrest the former President
In conclusion, the charge of falsifying business records in the first degree is a serious crime that can result in significant penalties, including up to four years in prison. While the focus has been on Trump in the Stormy Daniels case, it is important to remember that this charge is based on the crime itself and not on the defendant’s identity. Ultimately, it will be up to the courts to determine whether Trump will face jail time if convicted of this charge or any others related to the hush money payment.
