Important item Trump can no longer own

Donald Trump is first ex-US President to be convicted of a crime. It means he can’t possess one item he’s rallied for Americans to have.

After a historic six week trial, Donald Trump has become the first former US President to be convicted of a crime.

The 77-year-old was found guilty on all 34 counts of fraud by falsifying business records to cover up payments of $200,000 ($US130,000) to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Addressing media outside a New York courthouse on Thursday, Mr Trump, now a convicted felon, called the decision a “disgrace”.

“This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who is corrupt,” he said.

“It’s a rigged trial. A disgrace.”

Mr Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just four days before the Republican National Convention, when the party will officially nominate him for President.

So what does this all mean for Trump and the 2024 election? Here’s what you need to know.

Can Donald Trump still run for president?

Yes, in America a convicted felon can run for president.

Under the US Constitution, there are three requirements for presidential candidates: They must be a natural born citizen, be at least 35 years old and have been a US resident for at least 14 years – all of which Mr Trump meets.

Donald Trump can still run for president. Picture: Jim WATSON / AFP

Will the verdict affect the US election?

Not only can Mr Trump re-run for president, but the verdict may not have much bearing on voters.

In a new poll released this week, two-thirds of Americans said a conviction of the former president will not affect their decision on election day.

Among self-identified Republicans, 64 per cent said a conviction would make no difference in their support — while 25 per cent said that verdict would make them more likely to vote to return the 45th president to office, the NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey found.

More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of registered voters and 78 per cent of “definite” voters said Trump’s prospective acquittal would make no difference to their vote. Another 12 per cent of the latter group said they would be more likely to vote for Trump if he was found not guilty and 8 per cent said they would be less likely to vote for Trump if he was acquitted.

Even 65 per cent of self-identified Democrats said a guilty verdict would have no effect on their vote, while 27 per cent said they would be less likely to support the former president and seven per cent saying a conviction would make them more likely to vote for Trump.

Will Donald Trump be banned from voting?

As long as Mr Trump is not sent to prison – which is unlikely – he can still vote for himself in the November election.

The 77-year-old resides in Florida, which defers to other states for residents convicted of out-of-state felonies.

In New York, a convicted felon who is not incarcerated is eligible to register to vote, under a new law passed in 2021.

Voting rights are also restored after they’re released on prison, regardless if they are on parole.

Two-thirds of Americans said a conviction will not affect their decision on election day. Picture: Jim WATSON / AFP

Can Donald Trump pardon himself if he becomes president?

No, even if he becomes president, Mr Trump will not be able to pardon himself of the state conviction in New York.

According to the US Constitution, presidents only have the power to pardon federal crimes.

Will Donald Trump go to jail?

Mr Trump faces a minimum of probation and a maximum of up to four years in prison. But it’s not likely the former president will spend any time behind bars.

Former federal prosecutor and NBC News analyst Chuck Rosenberg told the outlet it’s unlikely Mr Trump will be sentenced to prison given his age and the fact he’s a first-time, nonviolent offender.

“I’d be very surprised if there’s any sentence of incarceration at all,” Mr Rosenberg said.

Michael Bachner, a former prosecutor and longtime defence attorney, also confirmed there is no requirement for the judge to remand Mr Trump.

“I would be shocked if the judge were to remand him even if [prosecutors] asked for it,” Mr Bachner told the New York Post.

Bachner explained that since “there is a very decent chance he’s looking at a probationary sentence. It would be unnecessary punishment to incarcerate somebody who very likely isn’t getting a jail sentence.”

It’s unlikely Mr Trump will be sentenced to prison. Picture: MANDEL NGAN / AFP

Will Donald Trump appeal?

Mr Trump’s team will likely soon announce whether they plan to appeal.

First, his team will most likely seek to have the judge set aside the verdict.

If that’s rejected this will set off at least a year’s worth of appeals by Mr Trump’s side, experts say.

Any appeal “won’t be [decided] before the election,” Mr Bachner said.

And if Trump loses an appeal with the mid-level appeals court, he’ll likely seek to have the state’s highest court hear his case, which could take another additional year.

Can Donald Trump own a gun?

No, as convicted felon, Mr Trump is now banned from legally possessing a firearm under New York law.

Mr Trump speaks during the NRA ILA Leadership Forum at the National Rifle Association. Picture: JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

In Florida, the law clearly states “felony convictions occurring in another state require restoration of civil and firearm rights by the state in which the conviction occurred.”

Gun ownership has been an important issue for Mr Trump. Earlier this month, the National Rifle Association endorsed the former president a third time.

Speaking at the NRA’s annual meeting in Texas, Mr Trump addressed thousands of members and encouraged gun owners to vote.

“We’ve got to get gun owners to vote,” he said. “I think you’re a rebellious bunch. But let’s be rebellious and vote this time.”

– With the New York Post