By Ricardo Lezama 
Former U.S. President Donald Trump will not serve prison time despite being found guilty in a case involving hush money payments to an adult film actress intended to suppress allegations of extramarital affairs. Judge Juan Merchan made this decision on Friday in New York.
The formal sentencing is scheduled for January 10, just ten days before Trump’s inauguration. This unprecedented case has sparked intense debate among legal experts and the public, highlighting the complexities of holding high-profile figures accountable under the law. While Judge Juan Merchan was sympathetic to the many petitions from Trump’s team to dismiss the case altogether, the judge mentioned that appealing his conviction would require an actual sentencing per the normal procedure. Obviously, Trump does not feel he is a normal citizen relative to NY state law!
Background
The hush money case involving President-elect Donald Trump continues to stir controversy from both sides of the aisle or political affiliation, as a New York judge upheld Trump’s conviction without imposing any penalties. The decision makes Trump potentially the first convicted felon to serve as president, sparking debates about the future of U.S. politics. Despite the conviction, Trump will never serve time in jail, in line with the presidential immunity doctrine.
The case arises from allegations of hush money paid to Daniels, a porn star. This unique situation is uncharted territory for the U.S. legal system, bringing about a flurry of speculation regarding constitutional challenges and impact on Trump’s upcoming term. Trump’s reaction has been highly critical of the New York judge overseeing his case. In a barrage of comments, he called for the judge to be disbarred, labeling him the “most conflicted judge in New York State history.”
The controversy over Trump’s sentencing further fuels political tensions, with supporters and critics alike expressing their views on social media. Critics argue for the preservation of justice, while some supporters feel Trump is being unfairly targeted. As Trump is preparing for inauguration, the sentencing hearing adds an unexpected twist to an already heated political climate. New York State Judge Juan Merchant will announce the verdict 10 days before the inauguration. The developments and potential repercussions of this case will likely continue to be closely watched in the coming days.
Sentencing is set for Jan. 10, just days before inauguration, but the judge reportedly indicated that Trump will likely receive an “unconditional discharge.” The president-elect has been vocal in expressing his anger about the case. The New York Times’ political analyst, Maggie Haberman, warned that Trump’s sentencing won’t dissipate the risk of retaliation, citing Trump’s fury.