Trump Avoids Imprisonment After Historic Felony Conviction

Donald Trump avoids imprisonment: The first former U.S. president to be convicted of a felony, has been sentenced by a New York judge to avoid imprisonment in his hush money case. This sets the stage for his return to the White House later this month with a criminal record.

Judge Merchan’s Ruling

Justice Juan Merchan issued an unconditional discharge during a virtual hearing attended by Trump. The ruling ensures that Trump faces no probation, fines, or ongoing obligations. Despite finding Trump guilty on 34 felony charges, the decision remained clear. Trump’s legal situation shifted, but authorities imposed no further penalties.

Countdown to Inauguration

The court delivered the sentence in a packed Manhattan courtroom just 10 days before Trump’s scheduled inauguration as the 47th president. The ruling followed a week of aggressive legal maneuvers by Trump’s attorneys. They tried to delay the proceedings, including a failed request to the U.S. Supreme Court. Despite their efforts, the ruling moved forward as planned.

The Hush Money Case

The trial centered around Trump’s authorization of a $130,000 payment to an adult film star during the 2016 campaign. He made the payment to prevent her from publicizing allegations of an affair from a decade earlier. Trump has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling the case a “witch hunt.” He claimed the case aimed to damage his re-election bid.

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Legal Appeals Loom

Since his victory in November, Trump has escalated efforts to have the conviction overturned. He is expected to appeal. Trump’s legal team plans to challenge the decision in higher courts. The case may ultimately return to the U.S. Supreme Court. New York’s appellate courts will first rule on the appeal.

Trump’s Defense in Court

During the 40-minute hearing, Trump appeared virtually and reiterated his usual criticisms of District Attorney Alvin Bragg. He called the case a “terrible experience.” Trump defended his handling of business records, claiming they were reported accurately as legal fees or expenses. He emphasized that the reporting was truthful and in compliance with the law.

Merchan’s Considerations

Judge Merchan took several minutes to discuss the case’s unique nature before delivering his verdict. He acknowledged that if Trump were an ordinary defendant, the sentence could differ. However, he emphasized that the court had no authority to overturn the jury’s verdict. The decision was final, reflecting the court’s duty to uphold the jury’s decision.

Closing Remarks

As the hearing concluded, Merchan swiftly closed the proceedings. He stated, “Therefore, at this time, I impose that sentence. This sentence covers all 34 counts. Sir, I wish you godspeed as you return to office.