**Trump's Election Outcome Could Pivot His Legal Troubles**

Donald Trump faces more than just an election challenge on Nov. 5; the stakes also include the fate of his numerous legal battles. Winning the election, which Trump has termed "the most important in the history of the country," could potentially dismiss federal criminal cases against him, put state cases on hold until he leaves office, and introduce further delays in ongoing civil suits. A defeat to Vice President Kamala Harris, however, might lead to immediate issues including a possible jail sentence and additional criminal and civil trials.

The most imminent legal hurdle for Trump post-election involves his scheduled sentencing on Nov. 26 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York. Initially set for an earlier date, New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan postponed it twice to allow Trump and his legal team to argue that the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity should nullify the conviction. A decision on this matter is expected by Nov. 12, with Trump’s attorneys ready to appeal an unfavorable ruling. Despite strong opinions from both sides, NBC News legal analyst Chuck Rosenberg suggests prison time remains uncertain but possible.

Another significant issue looming if Trump loses the election is Special Counsel Jack Smith's case on election interference, which charges Trump with conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results. Initially paused for the Supreme Court’s review of Trump’s immunity argument, this case could gain momentum post-election. Trump has signaled his intent to fire Smith immediately should he be reelected, but this action alone wouldn’t guarantee the case’s dismissal.

Trump is also dealing with a substantial legal challenge in Georgia. The Fulton County case, involving Trump and over a dozen others accused of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results, is awaiting a decision from an appeals court on whether District Attorney Fani Willis can continue to oversee it. If Willis is removed, finding her replacement could significantly delay proceedings. Barbara McQuade, a legal analyst and former federal prosecutor, posits that state criminal cases would likely be paused during Trump’s presidency and resume afterward.

Additionally, in July, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed a case against Trump related to his alleged mishandling of classified materials post-presidency, citing the illegality of Smith’s appointment. Smith has appealed, but if Trump wins, his administration is expected to shut down the special counsel’s office, likely leading to the appeal being dropped.

The myriad legal challenges Trump faces underscore the significance of the upcoming election, not only for the political landscape but also for his own future.