Donald Trump impeachment trial: when is the Senate trial - and what happens if the former president is convicted?

Donald Trump was impeached on January 13 (Getty Images)

On January 13, Donald Trump became the first president in US history to be impeached on two occasions.

Now a Senate trial beckons for the outgoing leader who has been charged with “incitement of insurrection” following the Capitol Hill riot on January 6.

Here's what you need to know about an upcoming trial.

When is the trial?

The second impeachment trial will get underway on February 8 following an agreement between senate Democrats and Republicans.

Democrat lawmakers had hoped to hold a trial in the final days of Trump’s presidency.

Trump’s legal team now have just days to form a defence against an impeachment conviction.

What will happen at the trial?

At an impeachment trial the Senate has the right to call witnesses with both sides able to perform a cross-examination of those called forward.

House members would serve as a prosecution team while President Trump has the right to defend his case with his own legal team.

At the conclusion of the trial Senate members would then vote to convict or acquit Trump of impeachment.

A two-thirds majority is required for Trump to be convicted of impeachment.

What happens if he’s convicted?

If the Senate opts to convict the former president then we move into unknown territory.

Three presidents, including Donald Trump have been impeached before, though all three were never convicted by the Senate.

There are still consequences for the president if he is convicted of impeachment after Joe Biden’s inauguration, though there is of course no precedent.

If the president convict, they can then vote to prevent the outgoing president from running for office again, preventing an anticipated campaign from Trump in 2024.

Donald Trump may also be exempt from receiving benefits enjoyed by other former presidents. This includes a $220,000 a year pension, a security detail, paid office space,