Trump Sentencing in ‘Hush Money’ Case Set for January 10

A judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump must be sentenced on January 10 in the criminal case where he was convicted on charges involving “hush money” paid to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Importantly, the judge indicated he is not inclined to impose a jail sentence.

Judge Denies Trump’s Motion to Dismiss

Judge Juan Merchan denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the case due to his election victory as president-elect. He stated that Trump may appear for the sentencing, which takes place just ten days before his inauguration, either in person or virtually.

“Unconditional Discharge” Likely Outcome

Judge Merchan wrote that a sentence of “unconditional discharge” — meaning no custody, monetary fine, or probation — would be “the most viable solution”.

Trump’s Legal Team Argues Presidential Duties Impacted

In Trump’s second motion to dismiss, filed since his May conviction, his legal team argued that having the case hang over him during his presidency would impede his ability to govern. The judge rejected this argument, expressing that setting aside the jury’s verdict would “undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways”.

Trump’s Victory Postponed Sentencing

“Defendant’s status as president-elect does not require the drastic and ‘rare’ application of [the court’s] authority to grant the [dismissal] motion,” he wrote in the decision.

Initially scheduled for November 26, Judge Merchan pushed back the sentencing indefinitely after Trump’s election victory.

Prosecutors Offered Alternative Solutions

Prosecutors with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office proposed several options that could address Trump’s concerns about the case impeding his presidency.

These included delaying the sentencing until Trump leaves the White House in 2029, guaranteeing a sentence without prison time, or terminating the case with a notation that Trump was never sentenced.

The case stems from a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.