Trump Faces Possible Community Service, Fines, and Probation Following Historic Conviction

Former President Donald Trump could be sentenced to community service, including tasks like picking up trash or cleaning graffiti, as part of his punishment for his felony conviction, experts suggest.

Trump, 77, will be sentenced on July 11 by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan. He made history as the first U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.

Donald Trump could be hit with community service at his sentencing in July, including being forced into menial tasks like picking up trash. Getty Images

The presumptive GOP presidential nominee was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

Trump faces a possible maximum of four years imprisonment for each count. However, experts believe he is unlikely to have a hard time due to the non-violent nature of his crimes and lack of previous convictions.

Experts say that community service could include cleaning streets, removing graffiti, and working in a food pantry or a community garden. London Entertainment/Shutterstock

Criminal defence attorney Jeffrey Lichtman noted that Trump could receive probation or a conditional discharge instead of prison time. Community service could be part of a probationary sentence.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has not indicated what punishment his office will seek.

Trump’s lawyers must submit their sentencing recommendation by June 13, while Bragg’s office has until June 27 to file its recommendation.

Trump will meet with the probation department to discuss his history and thoughts on the case, which will help prepare a report for the judge.

Lichtman suggested that while prison or jail time is possible, it is unlikely from this judge and district attorney.

The judge has broad discretion and could impose conditions such as probation or conditional release.

Experts said community service could be part of a probation or conditional discharge sentence. Stephen Yang

If sentenced to probation, Trump could face up to five years of regular check-ins with a probation officer and compliance with specific conditions.

Alternatively, Trump could receive a conditional discharge, which has less supervision than probation but still requires adherence to the judge’s rules.

Logistical challenges may arise in monitoring a former president, as criminal defence lawyer Jeremy Saland noted.

Merchan could also opt for community service, which Trump could fulfil through a court-approved program or a non-profit of his choice.

Trump could also face fines of up to $170,000. AP

Examples of community service include street cleaning, graffiti removal, working at a food bank, or in a community garden.

Trump could also face fines of up to $5,000 for each count, totalling $170,000.

Trump has vowed to appeal the verdict, and his legal team will pursue this after sentencing.

Trump said he plans to appeal. Getty Images

His attorneys may argue that Trump did not receive a fair trial due to pretrial publicity, a claim previously rejected.

The appeal process could take the case to New York’s Appellate Division, First Department, and potentially to the state’s highest court, the New York State Court of Appeals.

Dan Olczak

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