Donald Trump faces a Sandoval hearing this afternoon, opening the door for the former president to testify at his criminal trial as his defense team gauges the risk of letting him take the stand.
A Sandoval hearing involves an examination of the defendant's criminal history. It is required under New York law when a defendant plans to testify in their own trial and is meant as an indicator of whether it would be a good idea for them to take the stand.
During the proceedings, both sides will discuss what prosecutors would be allowed to ask Trump on cross-examination. It's not yet clear whether the former president will testify.
"You've heard many experts say this is not a good idea," CNN chief legal affairs correspondent Paula Reid said Friday afternoon. "But this is something (Trump) clearly wants to do, and his team believes he can do this successfully, but they want to see how the trial goes."
The hearing is set to begin at 3:15 p.m. ET.