A New York judge, Juan Merchan, has set January 10 as the date for the sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in the hush money case. The sentencing will take place at 9:30 AM in a Lower Manhattan courthouse, according to Merchan’s ruling on Friday.
Merchan has ordered Trump to appear at the sentencing, either in person or virtually. The decision on how he will appear must be made no later than January 5, 2025.
The judge emphasized that there is no legal obstacle preventing the sentencing, adding that bringing finality to the case would be beneficial for all parties involved, including the jury, the defendant, and the plaintiff.
In his decision, Judge Merchan noted that it was less desirable to delay sentencing until Trump completes his second term as U.S. President. Trump is scheduled to take office on January 20, 2025. The judge made it clear that it was preferable to impose the sentence before this date.
Donald Trump was convicted in connection with hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election campaign. The payments, which were disguised as legal expenses, were made through Trump’s then-lawyer to prevent Daniels from disclosing an alleged affair with the future president.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records to conceal the payments. Each payment was treated as a separate offence, leading to his conviction on 34 felony counts.
Originally scheduled for November 26, 2024, Trump’s sentencing was postponed indefinitely by Judge Merchan.
The delay was granted despite Trump’s legal arguments that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity should apply to his case. Merchan rejected this argument, stating that the ruling only applies to official presidential actions, not personal conduct.
The case was brought by a local prosecutor, who was elected on a Democratic Party ticket. The jury in May 2024 found Trump guilty of all felony counts related to falsifying business records, setting the stage for his sentencing in the coming weeks.
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