Trump to Be Sentenced for Falsifying Business Records, but Jail Time Unlikely

Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, is set to be sentenced on January 10, 2025, in his hush-money case.

The case, which revolves around a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, has led to his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

The charges stem from Trump’s attempts to cover up reimbursements to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who paid Daniels to remain silent about an alleged affair with Trump.

Despite being convicted in May 2024, Trump has denied all wrongdoing and maintains the case is politically motivated, arguing that it is part of an effort to harm his 2024 presidential campaign.

Justice Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, has indicated that he will not impose jail time, probation, or a fine on Trump.

Instead, Merchan suggested an “unconditional discharge” for the former president.

This decision would allow Trump to avoid further penalties, though he could still be required to attend the sentencing hearing, either in person or virtually.

In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump dismissed the judge’s ruling, calling it an “illegitimate political attack” and arguing that the case was a “rigged charade.”

His spokesperson, Steven Cheung, further criticized the order, calling it part of a broader “witch hunt” against the president-elect.

While Trump has attempted to use his election victory to have the case dismissed, Merchan has ruled that Trump’s conviction is valid.

The judge considered various options to address Trump’s concerns about the case potentially distracting him during his presidency, including delaying the sentencing or issuing a non-prison sentence.

However, Merchan ultimately opted to move forward with the sentencing date.

Trump’s legal team had argued that the case violated presidential immunity, but in July 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents are granted broad immunity for official actions taken while in office.

Nonetheless, the judge’s ruling in this case stands, and Trump is set to become the first convicted felon to serve in the White House.

Falsifying business records in New York can carry a sentence of up to four years in prison, but there is no mandatory minimum sentence, and jail time is not required.

Legal experts have suggested it is unlikely Trump will face prison time, given his age and clean legal record prior to this case.

Trump may also pursue an appeal following the sentencing.