NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump has received an unconditional discharge after his conviction in connection with hush money payments in New York, meaning he will not be required to serve jail time, pay fines, or engage in community service. A judge reached this decision on Friday, indicating that no penalties will be enforced.
Nevertheless, Trump’s conviction for falsifying business records will remain on his criminal record unless it is overturned in the future, which may affect certain rights he holds.
Let’s explore what this means for Trump, the potential implications, and what aspects of his situation remain unchanged:
Can he still vote?
As a registered voter in Florida, Trump maintains his right to vote within the state.
In Florida, individuals convicted of felonies typically face voting restrictions, but these rights are restored automatically upon completing their sentences. However, those convicted of murder or sexual crimes permanently lose their voting rights unless they are restored by a clemency board.
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For felons from other states, like Trump, Florida only disqualifies them from voting if they lost their rights in their state of conviction. In New York, voting rights are reinstated upon release from incarceration.
Is he allowed to own a gun?
No, Trump is not permitted to possess a firearm. Federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from owning guns.
Does he need to provide a DNA sample?
Yes, under New York law, anyone convicted of a felony is required to submit a DNA sample for the state’s crime database.
Typically, the DNA sample is collected post-sentencing when a defendant reports to probation, jail, or prison. Authorities may also obtain samples through court or police procedures.
The collection process is straightforward and non-invasive, usually requiring just a cheek swab. The state police analyze the sample to create a profile that is added to the databank.
This databank, which includes over 720,000 offender profiles, connects with the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, facilitating automated searches to match DNA from crime scenes with known offenders.
Can Trump still run for office with a felony record?
There are no federal laws preventing someone with a felony conviction from running for president. However, state laws regarding eligibility for state or local offices vary; some may require a pardon or expungement, while federal office candidates face no such limitations.
Is international travel an option for him?
Yes, Trump is free to travel internationally. As a former president, he holds a diplomatic passport for official travel, in addition to a regular tourist passport. Generally, individuals on probation or sentenced to incarceration may face travel restrictions, but this does not apply to Trump.
However, some countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Israel, may impose entry restrictions on individuals with felony convictions.
Will his business opportunities be affected?
Trump’s felony conviction could complicate his ability to secure liquor licenses, but it does not necessarily mean that his hotels and golf courses will stop serving alcohol.
For example, New Jersey law prohibits anyone convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude from obtaining a liquor license, which may affect Trump’s three golf courses in the state.
Nonetheless, Trump’s organization has stated that his properties are managed through corporate entities, and he does not hold a position as an officer or director of any entity that possesses liquor licenses.
Moreover, his conviction might bar him from re-entering the casino industry, as acquiring gaming licenses is generally off-limits for individuals with criminal records. Trump previously owned three casinos in Atlantic City but no longer has any operational.
Is a pardon possible for him?
Only the governor of New York has the power to grant a pardon for this specific conviction. Since the case was processed in state court, it relates to state law violations, making presidential pardons irrelevant.
It appears unlikely that Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, would consider granting a pardon. When asked about the possibility, she refrained from giving a direct answer but emphasized that the pardon process requires various elements, including a demonstration of remorse.
Trump has consistently claimed that he acted lawfully and has labeled the allegations against him as a “hoax” orchestrated by Democrats.
“No one will receive preferential treatment or be unfairly treated by me when I make those life-changing decisions regarding petitions throughout the year,” Hochul remarked. “Thus, nobody receives special favors, nor is anyone treated adversely.”
