What Trump’s Sentencing Could Mean Before His Inauguration/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing for felony charges in his hush money case is set for January 10, just 10 days before his inauguration. The judge hinted at an unconditional discharge, leaving the conviction on record but imposing no punishment. Appeals and legal challenges remain possibilities.
Trump’s Sentencing: Quick Looks
- Sentencing Date: January 10, just before Trump’s inauguration as president.
- Case Overview: Convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records tied to a hush money payment.
- Potential Sentence: Judge leans toward an unconditional discharge, which imposes no penalties but keeps the felony conviction on record.
- Legal Challenges: Trump’s lawyers may appeal to state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Presidential Pardon: Trump cannot pardon himself as the conviction falls under New York state law, not federal.
What Trump’s Sentencing Could Mean Before His Inauguration
Deep Look
The unprecedented legal and political saga of President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case moves toward a critical juncture with sentencing scheduled for January 10. The ruling could end with minimal consequences but leaves Trump heading to the White House with a felony conviction.
Case Background
In May, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. Daniels alleged an affair with Trump, which he denies. The payment was made through Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Initially set for July, the sentencing was postponed multiple times, eventually delayed until after the presidential election. Trump’s victory added layers of complexity to the case.
Judge’s Decision
Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan denied Trump’s request to dismiss the conviction and case, scheduling sentencing for January 10. The judge indicated he is leaning toward an unconditional discharge, a resolution that imposes no penalties but maintains the conviction on Trump’s record.
Under New York law, anyone convicted of a felony, even with an unconditional discharge, must submit a DNA sample for the state crime database.
Legal Maneuvers
Trump’s legal team has employed various strategies to challenge the case:
- Appeals: Trump may appeal the conviction and sentencing, though New York law limits appeal options before sentencing.
- Federal Intervention: His lawyers have requested federal courts take over the case, with responses due by January 13.
- Supreme Court: Trump’s attorneys have hinted at seeking the U.S. Supreme Court’s involvement, citing presidential immunity arguments tied to a recent Supreme Court decision.
Prosecutors’ Stance
Prosecutors previously suggested alternative outcomes, including delaying sentencing until Trump left office or closing the case without formal sentencing. Merchan dismissed these options as impractical, opting instead to proceed with sentencing.
What’s Next
Trump’s sentencing could bring closure to the hush money case, but legal challenges are likely to continue. Any appeals would follow sentencing, and potential federal court rulings could further complicate the timeline.
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