In an interview on CNN’s “The Source,” Timothy Parlatore, a former attorney for ex-President Trump, expressed his belief that Trump’s chances of conviction in the hush money criminal trial would “seriously increase” if Trump were to testify.
Parlatore stated that while he would advise against Trump testifying, eventually, the decision should be made as the trial progresses. He emphasized that the decision would hinge on whether it is deemed worth the risk to have Trump testify, or if the case can be effectively presented without his testimony.
“I personally would suggest that he probably should not,” Parlatore remarked, pointing out the potential risks involved in Trump’s testimony and the importance of the jury’s perception of his credibility.
When asked about the potential impact of Trump’s testimony on the likelihood of conviction, Parlatore opined that it would “greatly increase” the chances of conviction. He highlighted the potential consequences if the jury were to disbelieve even a small aspect of Trump’s testimony.
The trial, which began with opening statements after jury selection last week, is the first of four against the former president.
Trump faces 34 criminal counts related to falsifying business records concerning reimbursements to his former fixer, Michael Cohen, for payments made to porn actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. Daniels was allegedly paid to remain silent about an affair she had with Trump a decade earlier.
This trial marks a historic moment as it is the first criminal trial involving a former or sitting president in U.S. history. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.