Donald Trump said on Friday, May 31, that he is appealing the jury's guilty verdict, which made him the first president to be found guilty of a criminal offense. However, he will have to wait for sentencing, scheduled for July 11, reports Reuters.
Speaking in the lobby of the Trump Tower skyscraper in New York, Trump again said the trial was “rigged” to thwart his attempt return to the White House.
He said he had proven by his own example that no American is immune from politically motivated persecution.
"If they can do it with me, then they can do this with anyone,”– Trump said in a 33-minute speech to the applause of supporters.
The Republican candidate for the 2024 elections did not answer questions from reporters.
"We will appeal this scam," – he said.
Trump will have 30 days from the July 11 sentencing date to file an appeal.
The falsification of business records charge on which Trump was convicted carries a sentence of up to four years imprisonment. Others convicted of the crime often received shorter sentences, probation or fines.
But it was Trump's public criticism of jurors and witnesses during the trial that prompted the judge, according to former New York City prosecutor Rebecca Roiphe. Juan Mercian to impose a fine of 10 thousand dollars may push the judge to impose a more severe punishment.
Prepared by: Sergey Daga