Donald Trump’s hush money trial is approaching its conclusion, with closing arguments set to begin on Tuesday, May 28.
Over the past five weeks, the former president has been a near-daily presence in the Manhattan courthouse as prosecutors presented their case, alleging that Trump falsified business records on 34 occasions. They argue that Trump disguised reimbursements to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who violated campaign finance laws by paying $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016 to keep quiet about an alleged sexual encounter from a decade earlier.
Although Trump faces charges in four different criminal cases, this is likely the only one to go to trial before the 2024 general election. With both sides having rested their cases, the decision now rests with 12 jurors who will determine if the presumptive Republican nominee will also become a convicted felon. Experts suggest a verdict could come as soon as the end of next week.
Here’s what we know about the timeline for the remainder of the trial:
Defense and Prosecution to Summarize Case Ahead of Jury Deliberation
While jurors were excused on Tuesday, both the prosecution and defense returned in the afternoon to discuss the jury instructions that Judge Juan Merchan will provide. These instructions are pivotal, as Merchan will outline the applicable laws and task the jury with deciding both the factual elements of the case and whether Trump’s actions violated the law.
Merchan informed jurors that closing arguments would take place on Tuesday, May 28, and indicated that the court might extend hours to complete both sides’ arguments. If jurors are available on Wednesday, May 29, an off day for this court, deliberations could commence then.
The 12 jurors must reach a unanimous decision to convict or acquit Trump.
How Long Can Jury Deliberations Take?
There is no set time limit for jury deliberations, according to Diana Florence, a former Manhattan prosecutor.
“Obviously, it doesn’t mean that they’ll be deliberating indefinitely,” Florence noted.
If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, it results in a hung jury, and the judge must declare a mistrial. “You know it when you see it when it comes to a hung jury,” she said.
A deliberation period extending three days or more would be considered lengthy, says Kevin J. O’Brien, a New York-based trial lawyer. A prolonged deliberation could indicate a favorable outcome for the prosecution.
“Defense verdicts tend to be quick because jurors have their views and are often steadfast… They don’t labor over weighing all the evidence,” O’Brien explained. However, if the jury takes three or four days to reach a decision, it indicates that they are carefully reviewing the evidence, a trend that typically benefits the prosecution.
When Will There Be a Verdict in the Trump Trial?
If deliberations begin by Thursday, May 30, as the schedule suggests, Florence predicts a verdict could be reached by the end of next week.
“Could it take longer? Sure,” she said. “At that point, it’s anyone’s guess, and it’s like reading tea leaves.”