Former President Donald Trump could face a prison sentence ranging from one year to four years if found guilty in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, according to analysis by attorney and former ambassador Norm Eisen.
Eisen, speaking on behalf of the Just Security think tank, stated that their examination of “hundreds of comparable cases” led them to project a potential sentence. He indicated that Trump might expect a term between one year and four months to four years for each count in the indictment, with concurrent sentencing likely.
The case revolves around allegations that Trump paid hush money to two women, Daniels, a former adult film star, and former Playboy model Karen McDougal, to conceal affairs prior to the 2016 presidential election. Trump is also accused of making payments to a former Trump Tower doorman who claimed knowledge of Trump fathering a child with another woman.
Trump vehemently denies all allegations. The payments, if proven, could constitute a violation of election law by attempting to conceal scandal and influence the 2016 presidential election.
Facing 34 felony charges, Trump has pleaded not guilty, dismissing the case as a political witch hunt targeting his presidential aspirations. Daniels has indicated her readiness to testify at the trial set to commence in New York on March 25.
Speaking at a media briefing, Eisen projected that the trial should conclude by the end of April, with sentencing likely in the summer or early fall. He suggested that Trump’s lack of remorse and behavior would influence sentencing, potentially resulting in a term ranging from 1.3 years to four years.
Eisen anticipates appeals from Trump’s legal team, possibly extending into 2025. Eisen, who served as special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during Trump’s impeachment trial, highlighted the significance of the case amid Trump’s political ambitions.
Efforts to obtain comment from Trump’s attorney were unsuccessful as of Thursday. Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, is expected to testify regarding payments made to Daniels and McDougal, allegedly aimed at avoiding scandal during Trump’s presidential campaign.The Stormy Daniels case is scheduled to proceed after the postponement of the federal interference trial in Washington, D.C., originally set for March 4. It marks the first criminal case filed against Trump, with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg bringing felony charges against him in March 2023.
