President-elect Donald Trump To Be Sentenced In Hush Money Case

President-elect Donald Trump has been scheduled for sentencing on January 10 in a hush-money case. The judge has indicated Trump will not face jail time, but will receive an unconditional discharge.

President-elect Donald Trump.

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In an extraordinary surprising move, a judge on Friday has scheduled President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush-money case for January 10. However, the judge signaled that Trump would not be jailed. 

The Associated Press has reported that Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, indicated in a written decision that he would impose an unconditional discharge on Donald Trump, the former and future president. The judge termed the unconditional discharge as the most viable solution.  In an unconditional discharge, a conviction stands but the case is closed without jail time (no custody), monetary fine or probation. Trump can appear virtually for sentencing, if he chooses.

Judge Merchan rejected Trump’s attempt to dismiss the case, which was based on claims of presidential immunity and his impending second term. The judge stated that defendant's status as President-elect does not require the drastic and rare application of (the court's) authority to grant the (dismissal) motion.

Merchan, in his 18-page decision, wrote, “This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding.” 

Trump had earlier tried to use his presidential election victory to have the case against him dismissed.

Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty, and has also claimed that he was a victim of political persecution, without evidence, as reported by The Guardian. Trump's spokeperson, Steven Cheung, in a statement, termed the case as a lawless case. He said that the case should have never been brought and the Constitution demands that it be immediately dismissed.

“President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the witch hunts. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead.”

Donald Trump was convicted on 34 criminal counts related to falsifying documents to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, which allegedly aimed at swaying the 2016 election.

Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony for his second term as the President of United States of America will be held at the US Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 2025.