Former U.S. President Donald Trump was seen leaving the courthouse on May 30, 2024, following a jury verdict that found him guilty on all 34 felony counts at his criminal trial held in the New York State Supreme Court. The events unfolded under the watchful eye of photographers, including Justin Lane, whose work was featured via Reuters.
On Friday, a New York judge turned down a plea to dismiss the criminal hush money case against Trump and scheduled his sentencing for January 10, just shy of his anticipated second inauguration as President. The decision by Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, detailed in a written order, suggests he’s unlikely to hand down a prison sentence. Instead, Merchan may opt for an unconditional discharge, meaning no probation or financial penalties.
Judge Merchan mentioned that Trump could choose either an in-person appearance or a virtual one for the upcoming sentencing. Trump’s legal team had previously contended that the charges should be dropped, referencing a U.S. Supreme Court decision last summer granting presumptive immunity to presidents from criminal charges related to official acts during their tenure, and citing the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
Their defense further accused the Manhattan District Attorney’s office of politically motivated targeting and leaking details of its investigation. However, Trump’s conviction in May relates to allegations of 34 felony counts tied to falsifying business records. This was connected to a $130,000 payment orchestrated by his then-personal lawyer Michael Cohen to Stormy Daniels, aiming to secure her silence before the 2016 presidential election.
Judge Merchan clarified, “This Court finds that Presidential immunity from criminal process for a sitting president does not extend to a President-elect.” Addressing sentencing, he noted it was not standard procedure to decide before hearing from both parties. Nevertheless, he indicated the court’s hesitation in considering incarceration, which was initially a potential outcome but no longer deemed viable by the prosecution.
Merchan also pointed out that “an unconditional discharge seems the best course to conclude the matter and permit the Defendant to seek appellate relief.”
Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump, responded to the judge’s decision by stating, “Today’s order by the conflicted Acting Justice Merchan in the Manhattan DA’s proceedings is a blatant disregard of the Supreme Court’s Immunity ruling and established legal principles.”
Cheung added, “This unfounded case should be discarded immediately as per the Constitution. President Trump needs to focus on the Presidential Transition without these distractions stemming from the so-called witch hunts. Sentencing should not occur, and Trump is determined to resist these unjust allegations until they are eradicated.”
This remains a developing story, so stay tuned for further updates.
