Trump Scheduled for Sentencing on January 10 in ‘Hush Money’ Case; Judge Promises No Jail Time – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
3:28 PM – Friday, January 3, 2025
President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on January 10th regarding his “hush money” case, as ruled by a judge on Friday. The judge confirmed that Trump would not face imprisonment.
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Judge Juan Merchan stated that although Trump triumphed in the 2024 presidential election against Kamala Harris, the case would remain active. The sentencing is scheduled for just 10 days ahead of his inauguration.
Trump’s defense argued that this legal issue would impede his ability to govern effectively as president. However, Judge Merchan emphasized that dismissing the jury’s verdict would “undermine the Rule of Law in immeasurable ways.”
In the meantime, Trump’s supporters have commended his resilience and strength throughout the ongoing “lawfare” battles, asserting that the lawsuits arise from political motivations and Democratic attempts to thwart his presidency.
Merchan dismissed Trump’s request to dismiss the case based on presidential immunity, despite his impending return to the White House. The judge asserted that there were “no legal impediments to sentencing” Trump and stressed the importance of rendering a decision before his swearing-in on January 20th.
“Only by bringing finality to this matter” will the interests of justice be served, Merchan noted.
Back in May, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts related to falsifying business records, linked to an alleged scheme to disguise hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of his 2016 campaign.
Trump has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that Daniels’ claims are fabricated.
Following his November election win, Judge Merchan paused the proceedings and postponed sentencing indefinitely to allow discussions between the defense and prosecution regarding the future of the case.
Once again, Trump’s lawyers urged Merchan to dismiss the case, arguing that it posed unconstitutional “disruptions” to the new president’s ability to lead the country.
Prosecutors acknowledged the need for some accommodations during his second term but insisted that the conviction should be upheld. They proposed various alternatives, such as setting the case aside during his presidency with no prison time.
Trump faced potential penalties, including significant fines, probation, or up to four years in prison.
The prosecution focused on allegations that Trump concealed a $130,000 payment made by lawyer Michael Cohen to Daniels to silence her regarding an alleged affair with Trump in 2006.
“Michael Cohen is a lawyer who, rather than exemplifying respect for the law, chose instead to break it repeatedly over many years. His accountability serves as a testament that we live in a nation governed by laws, with uniform regulations applicable to all,” stated former U.S. Deputy Attorney Robert Khuzam.
Attorney General Alvin Bragg faced criticism for using an “unusual and dense legal theory,” leading Trump supporters to view the case as a politically motivated prosecution. The case posited that Trump’s alleged offenses were “multi-layered.”
Bragg’s team asserted that the “catch and kill” payments violated a lesser-known New York election law that prohibits “conspiring to promote or hinder someone’s election through ‘unlawful means.’”
Notably, the court did not require jurors to identify a specific unlawful means on the verdict sheet, raising concerns among critics about the lack of a “unanimous” conviction regarding Trump.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Trump has repeatedly labeled the trial a “witch hunt” orchestrated by Democrats and maintained that the process was entirely “rigged” against him.
Records showed that Merchan contributed $35 to Democratic committees in 2020, including a $15 donation to President Joe Biden. Furthermore, it has been noted that Judge Merchan’s daughter, Loren, actively supports Democratic initiatives and candidates.
Nevertheless, Merchan asserted that his decisions were free from political influence.
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