Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on January 10, 2025, in his hush-money case in New York, just days before he is due to be inaugurated as president.
The ruling comes from New York Justice Juan Merchan, who has indicated that Trump is unlikely to face jail time, probation, or a fine.
Instead, Merchan plans to grant Trump an “unconditional discharge.”
The judge has allowed for the possibility that Trump could attend the sentencing either in person or virtually.
The former president has repeatedly tried to use his presidential election victory as leverage to have the case dismissed.
Trump has dismissed the proceedings as a politically motivated attack, calling the charges a “rigged charade” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
In May, Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records connected to a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
The payment was part of a broader attempt to cover up a scandal ahead of the 2016 election.
Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, made the payment to Daniels to prevent her from speaking publicly about an alleged affair with Trump.
Trump has denied all charges, arguing that the case is an attempt to sabotage his 2024 presidential campaign.
In response to the judge’s order, Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung called it part of a “witch hunt,” further claiming that Trump should be allowed to continue his presidential duties without distraction from the case.
Cheung insisted that no sentencing should take place, and that Trump would keep fighting against the allegations.
Trump had previously argued that the case would hinder his ability to govern, but Justice Merchan has advised that the sentencing could be delayed until Trump leaves office, or that the sentence could be tailored to avoid prison time.
Trump had attempted to argue that the case violated his constitutional rights, citing a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity.
However, in a recent ruling, Justice Merchan affirmed that the conviction for falsifying business records stands.
Trump is poised to be the first convicted felon to serve as president, though experts suggest he is unlikely to face jail time, especially given his age and legal standing.
In addition to this case, Trump faces charges in three other state and federal criminal cases, including one concerning classified documents and two related to his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
While Trump was initially set to be sentenced on November 26, the date was postponed following his election victory.
His legal team may pursue an appeal after the sentencing.
Despite the potential for significant penalties, including up to four years in prison for falsifying business records, legal analysts believe a lengthy prison sentence remains unlikely.
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