We all have a huge normalcy bias — that is, the refusal to contemplate an imminent disaster. So it’s hard to get your head around the idea that we may well be facing an unprecedented constitutional crisis come November. But then, none of what’s going on in American politics these days is normal.

In Donald Trump's case, we've already sailed way past the edge of the known world. Yes, all things considered, it's unlikely that a former president — much less a potential president-elect — would find himself in jail or prison. Of course, it's also unlikely that a former president would find himself facing four separate criminal trials. Yet here we are.

So what might really happen in Trump’s New York criminal trial? How might it play out if he is treated no better — but no worse — than any other criminal defendant?

Let’s start with Trump’s difficulties following the judge’s orders, both in the courtroom and outside it. Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over Trump’s New York criminal trial, has issued a gag order preventing Defendant Trump from attacking people like witnesses and court personnel, though the judge has allowed Trump to continue to attack both him and the district attorney. If Trump violates this order —and he probably already has — he can be........

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