Trump's hush money trial could last six-to-eight weeks: What to know about the timeline

Donald Trump's hush money trial that begins Monday in Manhattan could last as long as eight weeks.

It is the first time a former president has been criminally charged, although Trump has now also been charged in three other criminal cases in other jurisdictions for attempting to overturn the 2020 election and hoarding classified documents after leaving office.

In New York, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for allegedly disguising hush money payments issued to porn star Stormy Daniels. He has pleaded not guilty.

On his way into the Manhattan courthouse Monday morning, he said without evidence that the trial is “political persecution” and “an assault on America.”

While the lengthy proceedings could take him off the campaign trail, his campaign has already used the trial as a fundraising hook.

Donald Trump trial live updates: Latest news on jury selection and what Day 4 will bring

How long will the Trump trial last?

The trial will last about six-to-eight weeks, according to a court media advisory.

Trump trial timeline: What to expect

Jury selection is up first on Monday, which could be an especially lengthy process given many potential jurors will likely have opinions about Trump that both sides may want to explore. New York law requires unanimity from a 12-person jury to convict a criminal defendant in a felony case.

Normally, the trial then proceeds into opening arguments, which give both sides the chance to provide an outline to jurors of what they believe the evidence will show, followed by the prosecution calling witnesses to testify and introducing evidence.

The defense will then try to poke holes in the prosecution's case through cross-examination, followed by the opportunity to call its own witnesses and introduce its own evidence.

Finally, the parties will give closing arguments, and the jury will be tasked with rendering a verdict.

The proceedings are scheduled to take place weekly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The court may make some accommodations for the Passover holiday in April. Trump has asked for May 17 off for Barron Trump's high school graduation, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling on the request.

If Trump is convicted, Judge Juan Merchan will decide on a sentence that could range from probation to four years in prison, according to experts.

Contributing: Bart Jansen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's hush money trial timeline: How long will the trial last?