Donald Trump claimed that he will be arrested for alleged hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star.

The former US president could face charges in New York if he is correct in his assertion.

What will happen to him if he’s indicted? How will each side present their case?

What Trump said

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Trump posted on Saturday that he expects to be arrested Tuesday. He also asked his supporters to demonstrate against the authorities if they are detained and indicted.

He released a lengthy statement in which he described the investigation as “political witch hunt” to remove the Republican Party’s leading candidate.

He said that he did nothing wrong, and then criticized a corrupt, depraved, and weaponized justice system.

It’s important to note that a spokesperson for Donald Trump stated that he was not notified of any arrests pending.

This case, in which the Republican paid Ms. Daniels a sum of money towards the end 2016 presidential campaign in return for her silence about an alleged affair, is just one of many related to Mr Trump.

There are also ongoing investigations in Georgia into election interference and federal investigations into his involvement in the 6 January rebellion at the US Capitol.

Continue reading: What has Donald Trump done to his Instagram and Facebook pages?

Mike Pence will not support Trump in 2024

What Trump will do

Trump, a Democrat has accused Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s District Attorney, of targeting him to gain political favor. He may attempt to get the charges dismissed on these grounds.

He could also challenge the validity of the statute, which in this case was five years.

New York’s statute of limitations may be extended if the defendant is out of state. Trump might argue that the statute should not apply to his time as president of the United States.

It is not clear how any indictment might affect Mr Trump’s chances of winning the presidential election .

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He could become the first ex-US president to be charged with criminal offense, right at the time polls show him ahead of potential Republican nominees like Ron DeSantis, the controversial governor of Florida.

This could result in Mr Trump being tried for his crimes in the unique situation where he is running for office in 2024.

He would not be able to pardon himself if he is elected.

CNBC was told Friday by Joe Tacopina, Trump’s lawyer, that he would surrender to the authorities if he is charged. Prosecutors could request that he be extradited from Florida if he refuses to appear voluntarily.

Ironically, DeSantis, as governor, would usually have to approve extradition.

Continue reading:

Trump’s arrest “would be politically motivated”

What will the prosecutors do

Nearly five years have passed since Mr Trump was investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

It presented evidence to the New York grand juries regarding a PS114,000 ($130,000] payment to Ms Daniels in the last days of the 2016 presidential campaign.

The payment is said to have been made in exchange for Ms. Daniels’ silence regarding an affair between her husband and Mr Trump.

Trump denied the allegations and accused Daniels of extortion.

Trump would have to surrender to the New York office if he was indicted by the district attorney.

Because it is a white-collar matter, Mr Trump’s attorneys will likely set up a time and date with authorities. Then, his fingerprints and mugshot would be taken prior to appearing in court for arraignment.

Trump could also face charges for falsifying business records. This is typically a misdemeanour. Trump reimbursed Michael Cohen for falsely recording the legal services as legal fees.

Prosecutors would need to prove that Mr Trump falsified records in order to make it a felony.

Legal experts estimate that any trial against the former US President would take more than one year.

It could also occur during the last months of the 2024 election, in which Donald Trump seeks a controversial return at the White House.