Let's compare and contrast Cohen's conviction/sentencing to TFG's prospects to pass the time until a verdict.

[MLAA]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Cohen_(lawyer)#

In August 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to eight counts including campaign-finance violations, tax fraud, and bank fraud. Cohen said he violated campaign-finance laws at Trump's direction "for the principal purpose of influencing" the 2016 presidential election. In November 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to lying to U.S. congressional committees about efforts to build a Trump Tower in Moscow.
In December 2018, Cohen was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine. In February 2019, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, disbarred him from practicing law in the state. In May 2019, he reported to the federal prison near Otisville, New York. In November 2021, he completed his sentence.

Sentencing maximums for TFG per CBS: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-happens-if-trump-is-convicted-in-new-york-trial/

Each of the 34 felony falsification of business records charges that Trump is facing carries a sentence of up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

***My observations to start us off***
- Cohen plead out not requiring the cost and time of a trial, TFG did not
- I don’t recall Cohen threatening witnesses, prosecutors and the judge requiring a gag order, TFG required a gag order and then a strengthening of that order.

[unblock]

1. I think the tax fraud and bank fraud are more severe charges.

Falsifying business records in conjunction with campaign finance law evasion does not strike me as a recipe for a lengthy prison sentence.

I think probation and/or home confinement with no actual prison time remain viable options. But I don't know what standard here is.

[MLAA]

3. I could live with home arrest if it were very strict.

Can’t leave trump tower for a few years. Based on old reports (some years ago) of how badly maintained the place was/is it could be his on personal Rikers 😬

[RockRaven]

2. It's a bit apples and oranges since Cohen was federal and TFG is state...

Similar NY state cases would be useful as guideposts to what generally happens, rather than what the statute says, I expect.

[MLAA]

4. Very true.

I’d say Cohen paid his debts to IRS and society. Would like to be able to feel the same way about TFG, though it’s unlikely since TFG can’t be sentenced to live in prison for these charges to even come to making up for all his destruction that will stay with us for a very long time (at least until climate change finally does us in).