Does Donald Trump Have a Felony Conviction?
Initial Answer: No, Not Yet
As of March 2023, former President Donald Trump has not been convicted of a felony. However, there are ongoing investigations and lawsuits involving Trump, which could potentially lead to felony charges. In this article, we will explore the history of Trump’s legal troubles and the current status of any potential felony convictions.
Contents
Trump’s Criminal History
Before we dive into the current legal situation, let’s take a look at Trump’s criminal history. Trump has been involved in several legal disputes over the years, including civil suits, criminal investigations, and even a few misdemeanor charges. However, no felony convictions have been lodged against him.
Here are some notable instances:
- Fake university scandal: In 2013, Trump settled a class-action lawsuit alleging he defrauded thousands of students who attended his for-profit Trump University. Trump was accused of making false claims about the school’s education and job placement services.
- Trump Tower scam: In 2014, Trump was sued by three individuals who claimed he stole their idea for a real estate project. Trump countersued, alleging the three individuals had defamed him.
- Undisclosed payments: In 2018, Trump acknowledged paying $130,000 in hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels (whose real name is Stephanie Clifford) to keep her quiet about an alleged affair between Trump and Daniels. While not a criminal conviction, the payment raised ethical and legal concerns.
Current Legal Situation
As mentioned earlier, there are ongoing investigations and lawsuits involving Trump that could potentially lead to felony charges. Here are a few notable examples:
Ongoing Investigations:
- Mnuchin v. Trump: The House Committee on Oversight and Reform is investigating allegations that Trump embezzled funds allocated for the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol. If true, this could potentially be a felony charge.
- Trump Organization Investigation: The New York State Attorney General’s office is investigating the Trump Organization’s alleged tax fraud and insurance fraud activities. If evidence of fraudulent activities is found, this could lead to felony charges.
Lawsuits:
- Rudy Giuliani’s lawyer files lawsuit: In March 2023, attorney Mark Pomerantz filed a lawsuit on behalf of his client, seeking to hold Trump responsible for allegedly violating his oath of office during the January 6 insurrection.
- Jane Doe v. Trump: A lawsuit filed in June 2022 by Jane Doe, a woman alleging Trump raped her in the 1990s, is currently ongoing.
Criminal Charges and Felonies: What’s the Difference?
Before we wrap up this article, it’s essential to understand the difference between criminal charges and felony convictions.
Criminal Charges:
- An accusation that an individual has committed a crime
- Typically pursued by law enforcement agencies (e.g., FBI, local police)
- May result in arrest, imprisonment, or fines
Felony Convictions:
- A formal conviction or guilty plea to a crime classified as a felony (typically punishable by imprisonment in excess of one year or death)
- Imposes significant legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, or both
In conclusion, as of March 2023, Donald Trump does not have a felony conviction. However, there are ongoing investigations and lawsuits involving Trump that could potentially lead to felony charges in the future.
