Trump‘s 34-Felony Conviction to Proceed Despite Presidential Win; Sentencing Set for Donald Trump to Face Punishment in January 10th Hush Money Case”>Jan. 10
In a significant legal development, a New York court has ruled that the 34-felony conviction against former President Donald Trump will not be dismissed due to his election as president. The sentencing, which was initially sought to be delayed or dismissed, is now scheduled for January 10, as announced by Judge Juan Merchan, citing "Forbes".
While the sentencing occurs just 10 days before Trump’s inauguration, Judge Merchan clarified that he does not intend to impose a jail sentence. However, Trump still faces potential fines totaling up to $170,000, with a maximum of $5,000 per conviction. Other penalties may be imposed, although logistical challenges could arise given Trump’s presidency.
Trump may virtually attend the sentencing hearing. As of now, his spokesperson, Stephen Cheung, has not responded to requests for comment. In a bid to reverse the conviction, Trump argued that the ongoing legal process would inhibit the functioning of the federal government and violate the Constitution’s supremacy clause, which prioritizes federal law over state law. However, prosecutors rejected this argue, and Judge Merchan ruled that the trial did not violate Trump’s presidency.
Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business documents to hide hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, a pornographic actress. Trump, who has not admitted guilt in any of the cases, has faced numerous legal challenges, both related to his personal and business affairs and allegations of election interference. Following his election as president, some of these trials were postponed or halted due to his presidential immunity.
Recently, in December, a federal appeals court confirmed a jury’s finding that Trump had sexually assaulted journalist E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s, awarding her $5 million in damages for defamation and battery. ABC News settled a related lawsuit with Trump for $15 million after a host made false accusations against him. Additionally, a Florida judge dismissed a criminal case against Trump for unlawful retention of secret documents following his presidency, marking another significant legal victory for the former president.
