A New York judge has scheduled sentencing for Donald Trump in his hush-money case for January 10, just weeks before he is set to assume the presidency.
Justice Juan Merchan expressed his intention to impose a “conditional discharge” rather than jail time, probation, or a fine. Trump may attend the hearing either in person or virtually, according to the court’s order.
Trump’s legal team had attempted to have the case dismissed, asserting that his recent presidential election victory should render the charges moot. They criticized the judge’s decision to proceed with sentencing, labeling the case as “lawless” and calling for immediate dismissal.
In May, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to a $130,000 payment made to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels. These charges revolved around efforts to conceal reimbursements to his former attorney, Michael Cohen, who paid Daniels to maintain silence about an alleged encounter with Trump during the 2016 election.
Trump, who maintains his innocence and has pled not guilty, claims the case is an attack on his 2024 presidential campaign. His spokesperson denounced the sentencing order, describing it as part of a “witch hunt,” asserting that Trump should be free to transition into the presidency without distractions.
In earlier motions, Trump argued that the ongoing legal battle could overshadow his presidential duties. Justice Merchan indicated several potential remedies to alleviate Trump’s concerns, which included postponing sentencing until he leaves office in 2029 or ensuring a sentence that does not require imprisonment.
Despite previous attempts to assert presidential immunity in this case, the court upheld the conviction. Trump is poised to be the first convicted felon to occupy the White House and may pursue an appeal following sentencing.
While falsifying business records can result in a maximum sentence of four years, there is no mandatory minimum, and experts have suggested that jail time is unlikely given Trump’s circumstances. Additionally, Trump faces multiple charges in other legal matters, including those related to classified documents and alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Originally slated for sentencing on November 26, the date was postponed after Trump’s electoral victory.
