A New York judge has set January 10 for the sentencing of former U.S. president and President-elect Donald Trump in the hush money case.
The scheduled sentencing comes just days before Mr Trump is set to be inaugurated for a second term in office. This development would make him the first American president convicted of criminal offences.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, indicated that while Mr Trump will not face imprisonment, the sentencing will conclude the case and ensure justice is served.
“Only by bringing finality to this matter will the interests of justice be served,” Judge Merchan wrote in a decision issued on Friday.
Mr Merchan noted that Mr Trump is likely to receive a “conditional discharge” — a legal resolution where the case is dismissed if the defendant avoids further legal trouble.
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“A sentence of an unconditional discharge appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow the defendant to pursue his appellate options,” the judge explained.
However, Mr Merchan rejected Mr Trump’s request to overturn the verdict, dismissing claims of presidential immunity and refusing to drop the case based on his upcoming return to office.
The judge argued that there were “no legal impediments” to proceeding with the sentencing before Mr. Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Mr Trump’s conviction stems from 34 counts of falsifying business records related to an alleged attempt to cover up a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign.
Ms Daniels has claimed the two had a sexual encounter years earlier, a claim Mr. Trump has denied. The payment was reportedly intended to prevent Ms. Daniels from going public with her allegations.
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