Despite the political earthquake that the decision unleashes after becoming the first former president in US history to be convicted in a criminal case, this would not prevent the Republican from running in the November 5 elections as there are no limitations based on reputation or criminal record to run for federal office.

Former US President Donald Trump was found guilty this Thursday of falsifying documents to hide an “affair” with porn actress Stormy Daniels.

Trump became the first former president convicted of a serious crime, following the decision of a New York jury that attributed him 34 counts around falsifying business records in a plan to illegally influence the 2016 elections.

According to international media, this implies that the former president could eventually go to prison. However, it is not up to the jury, but to the judge in charge of the trial, Juan Merchan, to set the sentence this July 11.

In New York State, falsifying accounting documents is punishable by up to four years. However, experts consider that sentence unlikely for someone without a criminal record.

In that sense, the judge could consider an alternative penalty such as community service or a fine. In any case, Trump will be able to appeal the ruling and thereby avoid jail.

Despite the political earthquake that the decision unleashes --after becoming the first former president in US history to be convicted in a criminal case-- this would not prevent Trump from running in the November 5 elections.

According to The New York Times, the US Constitution establishes very few eligibility requirements for presidents: being at least 35 years old, being natural born citizen, and having lived in the United States for at least 14 years.

The aforementioned news outlet adds that there are no limitations based on reputation or criminal record. Although some states prohibit felons from running for state and local office, these laws do not apply to federal office.