Jurors commenced deliberations on Wednesday to decide whether to convict Donald Trump in the first criminal trial of a former US president.

Their verdict could significantly impact the upcoming November election, where Trump aims to regain the presidency.

After weeks of testimony from over 20 witnesses, the focus shifted to the 12-member New York jury, who remain anonymous to protect their safety amid high political tensions. Judge Juan Merchan instructed the jurors to set aside personal opinions and emphasized the gravity of their decision regarding Trump, 77.

The jurors retired to a designated room where they alone will determine the outcome. A unanimous decision is required for either acquittal or conviction, and a single dissenting juror would necessitate a mistrial.

Trump faces charges of falsifying business records to reimburse a $130,000 payment made to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Prosecutors argue the payment was intended to hide damaging information from voters.

A guilty verdict would carry substantial political consequences, as Trump would become a convicted criminal just five months before the November 5 election. Despite this, he would remain eligible for the ballot and would likely appeal a conviction. In the event of a mistrial, a new trial could be pursued.

Throughout the trial, Trump has maintained his presence in court, using media coverage to allege that the trial is a Democratic scheme to hinder his campaign. In his closing arguments, Trump's defense asserted that the evidence for conviction was insufficient, while the prosecution argued the fraud was clear and urged jurors to deliver a guilty verdict.

If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison for each of the 34 counts, though experts suggest he might avoid jail time as a first-time offender. Trump has also been indicted in Washington and Georgia on charges related to the 2020 election and faces charges in Florida for mishandling classified documents. The New York case is the only one expected to reach trial before the election.