by Sam Dorman at The Epoch Times
The first of former President Donald Trump’s criminal trials is set to begin on April 15 after New York prosecutors accused him of falsifying business records related to an alleged affair with adult performer Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels.
The impending trial raises the prospect that he could face additional penalties, including a criminal conviction, before the 2024 election.
Experts have offered differing views regarding the eventual verdict, but the New York Clifford case is generally considered the least consequential of his four criminal cases. President Trump is currently facing potential prison time in his Washington and Georgia election-related cases, and his Florida documents case, none of which appears to have a certain trial date; some could be after the election.
The four trials also raise legal issues that could influence how future presidents and candidates make decisions. New York Judge Juan Merchan just added yet another gag order to the list that President Trump has encountered in Washington and his civil trial, prompting questions about free speech for leading candidates facing trial.