On January 10, 2024, Donald Trump will be sentenced for the hush-money case that stemmed from a $130,000 payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that Trump might receive a conditional discharge, meaning he could potentially avoid jail time, fines, or probation. This comes less than two weeks before Trump is set to be inaugurated as president.
Trump Faces Sentencing in Hush Money Case with Potential for No Jail Time
Trump Faces Sentencing in Hush Money Case with Potential for No Jail Time
Judge indicates Donald Trump may avoid prison sentence in a hush-money conviction as he prepares for his presidency.
The legal troubles trace back to May, when Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to the payment, made to silence controversial accusations. Despite the conviction, Trump maintains his innocence, arguing that the case was an effort to undermine his 2024 presidential campaign.
In his defense, Trump's legal team expressed concerns that the ongoing case could overshadow his presidential duties. Judge Merchan has been considering options that could mitigate the impact of the case on Trump while being cautious not to overstep the judicial process. Among his options was the consideration of delaying the sentencing until after Trump's presidency or ensuring that the outcome does not involve prison time.
Despite initial arguments surrounding presidential immunity in relation to the case, Justice Merchan recently upheld the validity of the conviction. If the sentencing proceeds as projected, Trump would make history as the first felon to occupy the White House. Originally scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, the date was shifted following Trump’s election victory. A spokesperson for Trump has yet to provide any comment regarding the situation.
In his defense, Trump's legal team expressed concerns that the ongoing case could overshadow his presidential duties. Judge Merchan has been considering options that could mitigate the impact of the case on Trump while being cautious not to overstep the judicial process. Among his options was the consideration of delaying the sentencing until after Trump's presidency or ensuring that the outcome does not involve prison time.
Despite initial arguments surrounding presidential immunity in relation to the case, Justice Merchan recently upheld the validity of the conviction. If the sentencing proceeds as projected, Trump would make history as the first felon to occupy the White House. Originally scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, the date was shifted following Trump’s election victory. A spokesperson for Trump has yet to provide any comment regarding the situation.
