"Did Trump get convicted of a crime?"
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Short answer
Yes. Donald J. Trump was found guilty in a New York criminal trial for falsifying business records in a hush‑money scheme. A jury convicted him on 34 felony counts, and the conviction remains legally valid even though he received an unconditional discharge (no prison time or supervised release)123.
Details of the conviction
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Charge | Falsifying business records to conceal payments made to adult‑film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. |
| Count | 34 separate felony counts. |
| Verdict date | May 2024, after a several‑month trial in Manhattan. |
| Significance | First former U.S. president ever convicted of a crime. |
| Sentence | Unconditional discharge – Trump retains a criminal record but serves no jail time, probation, or fines. |
| Legal status | The guilty verdict was upheld by the New York court despite later sentencing delays; the conviction has not been overturned38. |
What an “unconditional discharge” means
- The court recognizes the conviction and records it on Trump’s criminal history.
- No custodial sentence, probation, or supervised release is imposed.
- The discharge is final unless a future appeal successfully overturns the verdict (which, as of now, has not happened)58.
Context
- The case originated from a Manhattan District Attorney investigation into payments meant to silence potentially damaging information about Trump’s 2016 campaign.
- The trial attracted intense national and international attention, highlighting the legal principle that no individual is above the law, even a former president14.
Bottom line
Trump’s conviction is real and stands on the record: 34 felony convictions for falsifying business records, accompanied by an unconditional discharge that leaves him with a criminal record but no imprisonment.