A New York judge overseeing President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case has scheduled sentencing for January 10, just 10 days before his inauguration, and indicated that he is unlikely to impose jail time.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump’s conviction, stated that the former president, the first in U.S. history to be convicted of a crime, could attend the sentencing either in person or virtually.
In a detailed 18-page ruling, Merchan upheld Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records, dismissing various motions from Trump’s legal team to have the verdict overturned.
The judge suggested that, instead of imprisonment, he was inclined toward an unconditional discharge, meaning Trump would not be subject to any conditions following sentencing. This decision would mean Trump enters the White House as a convicted felon.
Trump, who could face up to four years in prison, had already been expected to avoid jail, even before winning the presidential election. Merchan noted that prosecutors also did not view a jail sentence as a “practicable recommendation.”
Trump criticized the ruling late on Friday, calling it an “illegitimate political attack” and denouncing Judge Merchan as a “radical partisan.” He argued the decision was “unlawful” and would mark “the end of the Presidency as we know it.”
Trump was convicted in May for falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016. His legal team had argued for dismissal, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling that former presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution for certain acts performed in office. Merchan rejected this claim, but noted that Trump would be immune from prosecution once he takes office again.
Merchan emphasized the necessity of setting a sentence before January 20, 2025, due to the potential presidential immunity Trump would gain after taking the oath of office.
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, condemned the decision, calling it a violation of Supreme Court rulings and asserting that the case should never have been brought. He maintained that Trump must be allowed to proceed with the presidential transition without being hindered by this case.
Trump also faces federal charges from special counsel Jack Smith related to the 2020 election and classified documents, as well as racketeering charges in Georgia over attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. However, these cases are likely to be paused while Trump serves as president.
