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Donald Trump to be sentenced on 10 January in hush money case ahead of Presidential inauguration

Judge signals no jail time | US President-elect is expected to receive an 'unconditional discharge' for the conviction

Reported by:  PTC News Desk  Edited by:  Jasleen Kaur -- January 04th 2025 09:48 AM
Donald Trump to be sentenced on 10 January in hush money case ahead of Presidential inauguration

Donald Trump to be sentenced on 10 January in hush money case ahead of Presidential inauguration

PTC Web Desk:  A New York judge has ruled that Donald Trump will be sentenced on January 10 for his involvement in the hush-money case, just days before his inauguration as US President. The case, stemming from a $130,000 payment to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, saw Trump convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that Donald Trump will not face jail time, probation, or a fine. Instead, Trump is expected to receive an "unconditional discharge" for the conviction. The judge also offered the option for the US President-elect to attend the hearing either in person or virtually.


Trump's legal team has strongly opposed the sentencing, describing the case as a "witch hunt" and pushing for its immediate dismissal. They argue that the charges are politically motivated and aimed at undermining Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

In May, Donald Trump was convicted for attempting to cover up payments to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who made the hush-money payment to Daniels in the final days of the 2016 election campaign. Daniels had alleged a sexual encounter with Trump, which the payment sought to silence.

Despite denying any wrongdoing and pleading not guilty, Donald Trump has faced legal challenges across multiple cases, including charges related to classified documents and attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. His legal experts had previously suggested that jail time was unlikely, given his age and legal standing.

Trump had unsuccessfully attempted to use his presidential election victory to dismiss the case, arguing that it was an infringement on presidential immunity. However, the Supreme Court ruled in July that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for official actions taken while in office, a decision that Trump initially cited in his defense.

Judge Merchan, however, has ruled that Trump's conviction in the hush-money case stands, leaving him to be the first convicted felon to potentially serve in the White House. While there is no minimum sentence for falsifying business records, the crime carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.

Trump may continue his legal battle, with an appeal possible after the sentencing. Despite the legal hurdles, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, remains steadfast, claiming that the case is part of a larger campaign to prevent Trump from fulfilling his presidential duties.

- With inputs from agencies

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