Chicago – January 03, 2025
In a surprising development, a judge has scheduled President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing for his hush money case on January 10, just over a week before he is set to return to the White House. However, the judge has indicated that Trump will not face jail time.
This decision means that Trump could become the first president in U.S. history to take office while convicted of a felony. Judge Juan M. Merchan, who oversaw Trump’s trial, stated that he would sentence Trump to an “unconditional discharge.”
This means the case will be closed without jail time, probation, or a fine. Trump could attend the sentencing virtually if he chooses.
Judge Merchan explained that he was considering several factors, including Trump’s ability to govern, a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, the public’s belief in equal justice for all, and the importance of honoring the jury’s decision.
He rejected Trump’s request to dismiss the case or delay sentencing because of his upcoming second term.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, called the case “illegitimate” and said it should be dismissed. Trump can appeal his conviction once he is sentenced, but the sentencing decision itself cannot be appealed under New York law.
