Legal expert Paul Collins, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, on Saturday, July 29 warned that former President Donald Trump may face the grim prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars if he fails to negotiate a favorable sentencing deal.
Collins’ cautionary statement comes in the wake of a new indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), adding three more criminal charges to the existing 37-count indictment against Trump.
The latest superseded indictment, revealed by special counsel Jack Smith, pertains to allegations of Trump’s mishandling of classified documents and his attempts to obstruct investigators from returning them to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
According to CBS News, of the 37 total charges, 31 are related to the alleged willful retention of national defense information, specifically regarding the classified documents case.
Legal experts have noted that if the government can substantiate these accusations, Trump’s ability to mount a viable defense will be significantly compromised.
Newsweek reported that Paul Collins went on to stress the gravity of these new charges, suggesting that they could be extremely difficult for the former president to overcome in court.
Collins further warned that if convicted without securing a sentencing deal, Trump’s advanced age could mean he spends the remainder of his life in prison.
The notion of Trump facing imprisonment has been an ongoing concern given the series of investigations and lawsuits he has been entangled in since leaving office.
His legal troubles have escalated, encompassing a wide range of allegations, including lying to tax collectors, lenders, and insurers, as well as potential misconduct related to government documents.
Despite these legal challenges, Trump has been resolute in his intention to stay in the political arena and pursue a potential 2024 presidential run.
Even in the face of the recent 37-count indictment, he has defiantly vowed to remain in the 2024 race regardless of the outcome.
The former president’s legal battles are far from over, and as each case unfolds, the specter of Trump’s potential imprisonment remains a defining aspect of his post-presidential legacy.
As the investigations continue, the nation watches with bated breath to see how these legal dramas will ultimately unfold.
