Former President Donald Trump already faces a tough contest to regain the White House.
And what happens starting today in New York might make it a lot more difficult, no matter what happens in November.
Jury selection begins today in Trump's trial on 34 counts related to hush money paid to two women before the 2016 election to cover up alleged extramarital affairs.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office says the payments were made to hide information from the voters and therefore violate campaign finance law.
Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen has already pleaded guilty and served prison time for his role in making the payments. And the parent company of the tabloid "National Enquirer" admitted also admitted involvement in the scheme to cover up the alleged affairs.
The former president has pleaded not guilty to falsifying business records to conceal the payments and denies the affairs ever took place.
But if convicted, he could face a sentence that ranges from probation to a maximum of 20 years behind bars.
The trial is expected to last about 6 weeks. Under state law, Trump will have to attend proceedings.
There will be intense media coverage. And there will be a wide variety of opinions as to the former president's innocence or guilt. But what will the jury decide?
Should Trump be convicted, it would greatly complicate the 2024 race for president. Especially if he wins.
There would be appeals, maybe lasting longer than his four-year term. But could he be constitutionally be kept from assuming office? Removed from office? Could he pardon himself? Could he actually govern from prison if it came to that. Legal scholars have been weighing in and opinions run the gamut.
So there are a lot more questions than answers. And finding those answers, should it be necessary, would likely mean a very rocky road ahead for our democracy.