Judge Merchan has scheduled President Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case for January 10, just over a week before his inauguration. He assured that Trump will not face jail time.
Judge Merchan indicated in a written ruling that the president-elect would likely receive a conditional discharge. Under this arrangement, the conviction would be dismissed if Trump avoids further legal trouble, effectively resolving the case.
The decision comes after Merchan halted proceedings following Trump’s November 5 election victory, allowing both sides to deliberate on the case’s future. Trump’s defense team argued that the conviction should be dismissed outright, citing potential unconstitutional disruptions to his ability to govern as president.
Prosecutors agreed that Trump’s presidency required special consideration but maintained that the conviction should stand. They presented various proposals, including pausing the case during his term, guaranteeing a no-jail sentence, or adopting an unorthodox approach used in some states. This last option would close the case while officially noting Trump’s conviction and pending appeal.
