Trump’s conviction upheld, but no jail time; sentencing on Jan 10

President-elects likely to appeal his conviction in hush-money trial

New York: A New York judge on Friday upheld President-elect Donald J Trump’s felony conviction but signaled that he was inclined to spare him any punishment, a striking development in a case that had spotlighted an array of criminal acts and imperiled the former and future president’s freedom.

The judge, Juan M Merchan, indicated that he favored a so-calledunconditional discharge of Mr Trump’s sentence, a rare and lenient alternative to jail or probation. He set a sentencing date of January 10, and ordered Trump to appear either in person or virtually.

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An unconditional discharge would cement Trump’s status as a felon just weeks before his inauguration — he would be the first to carry that dubious designation into the presidency — even as it would water down the consequences for his crimes.

Unlike a conditional discharge, which allows defendants to walk free if they meet certain requirements, such as maintaining employment or paying restitution, an unconditional discharge would come without strings attached.

Trump was convicted  in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records over payments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen to reimburse a $130,000 hush money payment made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels, in order to keep her from speaking out about an alleged affair before the 2016 election. (Trump has denied the affair.)

Trump spokesman Steven Cheung called the ruling a “direct violation” of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision.
“President Trump must be allowed to continue the presidential transition process and to execute the vital duties of the presidency, unobstructed by the remains of this or any remnants of the Witch Hunts. There should be no sentencing, and President Trump will continue fighting against these hoaxes until they are all dead,” Cheung said.