What is a grand jury and an indictment?
A grand jury is a group of 23 citizens whose role is to review evidence and determine if there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime. Unlike prosecutors, grand juries can subpoena witnesses and documents to help in their investigations. If they find probable cause, the grand jury will issue an indictment, which is equivalent to formal charges.
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| As Donald Trump Faces Arrest on Business Fraud Charges: 7 Important Questions Answered |
What happens next in the case?
After the grand jury issues an indictment, it will be reviewed by a judge and made public in the coming days. Trump will then appear before a judge in New York for his first court appearance, also known as an arraignment. During this process, Trump will be "booked" and fingerprinted in the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
How long could Trump go to jail for?
The exact charges against Trump have not been made public yet, but if the charges are as expected, he could face several years in jail.
Will he have to appear in court?
Yes. Trump will have to appear in court for his arraignment, but he may not be subjected to a "perp walk," where the defendant is paraded past journalists while in handcuffs.
Can he still run for president?
Yes. There is no constitutional provision that disqualifies someone from running for president if they have been indicted. However, if Trump is convicted, it is unclear whether he could still hold the office of the president, as this has never happened before. In 1920, Eugene Debs ran as a Socialist candidate despite being in prison for speaking out against the draft during World War I.
Is he the first ex-president to be indicted?
Yes. Trump is the first ex-president to be indicted, although sitting presidents have been arrested before. Ulysses S. Grant was arrested in 1872 for speeding in his horse-drawn carriage, but he was not indicted. Richard Nixon resigned before he could be indicted or impeached and was later pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford.
Can he be pardoned if he is found guilty?
No. Crimes charged in state courts cannot be pardoned by the president. Only New York's governor can pardon Trump if he is found guilty.
In conclusion, the grand jury indictment of Donald Trump on business fraud charges has raised several questions about his potential presidential bid. While it is uncertain what the future holds for him, the legal system will run its course, and justice will take its course.
