American Justice

curated filings from notable cases

Fluttering currency rains down from above.

New York v. Trump

HUSH

The Parties

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on behalf of the State of the New York against Defendant Donald Trump.

The Charges

34 felony counts of falsifying business documents in the first degree, all related to an alleged scheme to disguise hush-money payments made to a pornographic film actress to avoid scandal during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, previously pled guilty to facilitating these transactions.

The Venue

The Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York before Justice Juan Merchan. This is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction in New York State’s Unified Court System.

Timeline

Oct 2016

Payment Made

$130,000 payment made by Trump Attorney Michael Cohen to Porn Star Stormy Daniels through a shell corporation financed by a second mortgage on Cohen’s home. Daniels would keep quiet about her affair with Trump and Cohen would be repaid by Trump in installments.

Aug 2018

Cohen Pleads Guilty

Cohen pleads guilty to eight criminal counts relating to the payment, stating that he acted “at the direction of a candidate for federal office.”

Dec 2018

Cohen Sentenced

Cohen is sentenced to three years in prison.

Mar 30, 2023

Indictment

Donald Trump becomes the first former U.S. president to be criminally indicted. Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg files 34 felony counts of falsifying business documents related to an alleged scheme to disguise hush-money payments made during the 2016 U.S. Presidential campaign.

Apr 4, 2023

Arraignment

Defendant Trump travels from Florida to surrender to authorities to be booked and fingerprinted. After his arraignment, Trump returns to Florida.

Jul 19, 2023

Removal Denied

Federal judge Alvin Hellerstein denies Defandant’s motion to remove the trial to Federal court.

Aug 11, 2023

Recusal Denied

Justice Merchan denies Defendant’s motion to recuse himself from the case.

Mar 25, 2024

Trial

Scheduled trial start date.

Digital Memorabilia

Indictment