In a landmark decision, a New York judge has set the sentencing date for Donald Trump, the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime, just 10 days before his January 20 inauguration. Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled the sentencing for January 10, noting that Trump could attend either in person or virtually. The judge dismissed Trump’s legal team’s attempts to overturn his conviction and expressed his inclination to avoid imposing jail time.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Despite the possibility of up to four years in prison, legal experts have long predicted that jail time for the former president was unlikely. Merchan has signaled he may opt for an “unconditional discharge,” sparing Trump from incarceration.
The ruling leaves Trump entering the White House as a convicted felon, but it also opens the door for an appeal, which could further delay the sentencing. Trump’s defense team has argued for dismissal based on presidential immunity, citing a recent Supreme Court decision, but Merchan rejected those motions.
This ruling adds to Trump’s ongoing legal challenges and the scrutiny he faces as he prepares for his second term, underscoring the complex intersection of law, politics, and power.
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