Possible penalties of case brought by New York attorney general can only go so far.

The New York attorney general’s lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his family’s foundation contains some eye-raising allegations, namely that the foundation “was little more than a checkbook for payments to not-for-profits from Mr. Trump or the Trump Organization.” But the good news for Mr. Trump: The suit’s reach only goes so far. First, it is a civil suit, rather than a criminal indictment or set of charges. The possible penalties aren’t prison time, but rather $2.8 million in restitution and other measures, like the dissolution of the foundation. He could also be banned from serving on boards of nonprofits in the state. In a tweet on Thursday, Mr. Trump claimed he wouldn’t settle the case. But legal experts say such civil suits typically end in settlements.

“These sorts of things always settle, and he has settled allegations before,” said Jennifer Rodgers, a lecturer at Columbia Law School and former federal prosecutor. ... “I don’t see a lot of legal jeopardy here,” she added.

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