President-elect Donald Trump will face sentencing for his criminal conviction in New York. The hearing is set for January 10. These are just days before his second inauguration.
Judge Juan Merchan on Friday, ordered Trump to appear in person or virtually for sentencing. He upheld Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. He again signaled he might grant an “unconditional discharge.” This would spare his jail time or probation but leave him a convicted person.
An unconditional discharge would make Trump the first U.S. president to take office with a felony conviction. Judge Merchan called it the best option to ensure finality while allowing Trump to appeal.
The charges stem from claims that Trump falsified records to hide a sex scandal during his 2016 campaign. A Manhattan jury convicted him in May, finding the cover-up aimed to protect his political ambitions.
Trump’s legal team tried to overturn the conviction, citing presidential immunity and his election victory. Judge Merchan rejected these arguments, saying dismissing the case would undermine the rule of law.
The president-elect faces up to four years in prison, but the judge’s leniency suggests he may avoid severe consequences. The case highlights the legal and political challenges he faces as he returns to the presidency.
The January 10 hearing marks a critical moment in Trump’s legal battles. He is expected to appeal the conviction and may seek to delay sentencing. (Courtesy of The New York Times)
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