The judge presiding over the New York v. Trump trial in Manhattan lamented the failure to fine former President Trump more than $1,000 for each violation of the gag order during the trial.
Judge Juan Marchan fines Trump $9,000 He was charged Tuesday morning with violating a gag order that prohibits court officials from speaking publicly about witnesses or family members. The judge found he had breached the order on nine separate occasions and was fined $1,000 for each breach.
In his order, the judge detailed that Trump’s “continued and willful violation” of the gag order could result in “prison terms” if “necessary and appropriate.”
“Unfortunately, the cost of fines will not achieve the desired results when violators can easily pay such fines,” Machan lamented in his order.
Live updates: New York v. Trump trial enters third week as judge fines Trump for violating gag order
Former President Trump returns to Trump Tower on Monday, April 15, 2024, in New York City. Trump was in Manhattan Criminal Court today for jury selection in the so-called “hush money” case. (Fox New Digital Probe Media)
“Criminal contempt is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court, for each violation of a court order,” Marchand wrote.
NY V Former President Trump charged with violating gag order begins third week
A courtroom sketch depicts the second day of former President Trump’s criminal trial on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, in Manhattan Criminal Court. (Kristin Cornell)
“However, the Judiciary Act does not give courts the authority to impose appropriate penalties when a $1,000 fine does not accomplish the intended purpose. In most cases, a $1,000 fine is necessary to protect the sanctity of the justice system. A dollar may be enough, but $1,000 is enough to enforce respect for the justice system. Unfortunately, punishing offenders who do not fulfill their obligations and comply with court orders is not enough. “We will not be able to achieve the desired results when such fines can be easily paid,” he continued.
Machan went on to say that it would be desirable if the court could impose a fine commensurate with the suspect’s wealth.
New York prosecutors allege President Trump tried to cover up with false business records
Judge Juan Mercian poses for a photo in his New York courtroom on Thursday, March 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
“In some cases it could be a $2,500 fine, in other cases it could be a $150,000 fine. There is no hidden discretion in this court, so in some cases it could be a fine of $2,500, and in other cases it could be a fine of $150,000. “We must consider whether this constitutes a necessary punishment,” he said. He reiterated that if President Trump continues to violate this order, he could face prison time.
Trump trial: Former president is “not guilty,” defense claims DA claims “conspiracy”
President Trump is on trial on 34 felonies for falsifying business records during the 2016 campaign. He has pleaded not guilty to each charge and has denounced the case as a “witch hunt” and a “fraud.”
On April 22, 2024, in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, former President Trump speaks to the media during his trial on charges of concealing hush money payments. President Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in his first criminal case to go to trial. (Brendan McDiarmid Pool/Getty Images)
The New York v. Trump case alleges that President Trump’s former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, paid $130,000 in 2006 to silence former porn star Stormy Daniels’ claims of an affair with the then-real estate mogul. The focus is on what you paid for. Trump denies having an affair with Trump. Daniels.
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Prosecutors allege that the Trump Organization reimbursed Cohen and fraudulently recorded the payments as legal costs. Prosecutors are working to prove that President Trump falsified records with the intent to commit or conceal a second felony crime. Prosecutors said this week that the second crime is a violation of a New York state law called “conspiracy.” promote or prevent an election. ”
