What happens if Trump appeals his New York conviction

Former President Trump is facing a significant legal battle in New York following his recent conviction, with many expecting him to appeal the ruling to the New York appeals courts. This process could potentially go even further, raising questions about the justices involved in the case and the implications for Trump’s legal future.

If Trump moves forward with his appeal, the case will be sent to the First Judicial Department of New York’s Appellate Division, which consists of 21 justices. The presiding justice, Dianne Renwick, was appointed by Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2023. Interestingly, the majority of the justices in this division were appointed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with only one being a Republican appointee.

Trump and his legal team have had some success in the First Department previously, as evidenced by a recent ruling in which a five-judge panel sided with Trump in a case involving his niece, Mary Trump. This indicates that the court may not be automatically biased against the former president, despite the partisan makeup of the justices.

The judges upheld Trump’s standing to sue his niece over breach of confidentiality agreements, providing a potential avenue for him to seek damages. While this ruling does not guarantee Trump’s success in the lawsuit, it does raise possibilities for him to recoup losses.

Should Trump’s appeal progress beyond the Appellate Division, the next stop would be the New York State Court of Appeals, where seven judges, all Democratic appointees, preside. This further underscores the political dynamics at play in Trump’s legal battles and raises the stakes for his potential outcomes.

Despite the potential hurdles in his path, some legal experts believe that Trump’s conviction has grounds for appeal and could potentially be overturned. The complexity of the case and the implications for Trump’s political future add a layer of intrigue to the legal proceedings.

Ultimately, Trump’s journey through the appeals process in New York and potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court will be closely watched and could have far-reaching consequences for his legal standing and reputation.