Written by: Lilly Moats & Dahsa Myers

Former President Donald Trump was officially indicted on March 30th for 34 felony accounts of falsifying business records. Although, the official trial will not take place until January 2024 or as Trump’s legal team suggests; Spring 2024.

The term indictment may sound like a fancy word, but put in simple terms it means a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime. Donald Trump was specifically indicted for falsifying business records in which he paid his former lawyer, Micheal Cohen, out of his business, The Trump Organization, to pay Stormy Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet during his 2016 Election run. 

Although the 34 accounts of felonies are considered misdemeanors, there is a possibility for up to four years of imprisonment. However, this is highly unlikely, and Trump will most likely be charged with a simple fine. 

Stormy Daniels is a renowned sex worker starring in and directing award-winning adult films. She claimed to have had an intimate relationship with Trump in 2006. Trump denied these allegations, and when Daniels went to speak about these events during his 2016 election run, Trump used The Trump Organization’s funds to pay off Daniels to not spread a series of stories that would defame him including videos from his time on Hollywood Access where he made inappropriate suggestive comments.

If Trump is found guilty, each of his counts can result in four years of imprisonment. This being said, there are no legal barriers for Trump to run for office even if he receives a felony or is behind bars.