NEW YORK (NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records to hide news of an alleged affair, potentially costing New York City millions in legal expenses.
The criminal trial, the first of of a former U.S. president, revolves around payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels aimed at concealing an alleged sexual encounter with Trump, who was then a presidential candidate in the 2016 election. Trump has denied the allegations.
The criminal trial is the first of Trump’s four indictments to go to trial.
How much is the trial expected to cost NYC?
If the trial lasts six weeks, it could cost New York City cost $1 million to $2 million, according to estimates from trial attorney Mercedes Colwin.
“If you look at a six-week trial and you’re talking about all these other factors involved to make sure that former President Trump is safe, that the jurors are safe, that the judge is safe, all of the individuals that are involved in this trial (are safe),” Colwin told NewsNation, “$50,000 a day to ensure that all of these safety precautions are taken is not something that would be out of the realm of reality.”
Legal analysts anticipate jury selection will be the biggest challenge and likely take up the most time.
The Independent Budget Office of New York confirmed significant overtime will be necessary for court staff and security personnel during the trial.
Security costs
The Secret Service is working with the New York Police Department to secure the courthouse by closing roads and restricting access.
The Office of Court Administration confirmed to NewsNation that no new personnel has been hired, adding budgets are not delineated by specific high-profile cases, suggesting the city’s resources will be strained.
How long will the trial last?
Jury selection is currently underway to find 12 jurors and six alternates.
Once the trial begins, it’s expected to last six to eight weeks.
The prosecution will present its case first, followed by the defense.