Trump's hush-money case sentencing scheduled for January 10: Will he able to avoid jail?

World News: US President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sentenced on January 10 for his hush-money case, as ruled by a New York judge on Friday. Judge Juan M. Merchan indicated that Trump is likely to receive an unconditional discharge, which would mean no jail time, fines, or probation.

Timing of Sentencing

This sentencing date is significant as it falls just days before Trump's anticipated return to the White House on January 20. Trump has the option to attend the sentencing virtually, allowing him to manage his presidential duties while addressing the legal proceedings.

Legal Arguments Rejected

The judge dismissed Trump's claims for dismissal based on presidential immunity and his upcoming second term. Merchan stated that concluding the case serves justice, balancing Trump's governing capabilities with the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity, public expectations for equal law application, and respect for the jury's verdict.

"This court is simply not persuaded that the first factor outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding," wrote Merchan.Trump's legal team argued that the case could hinder his presidency, while prosecutors suggested alternatives such as freezing the case or ensuring no jail sentence. However, Judge Merchan ruled that Trump's status as president-elect does not provide him with the same immunity as a sitting president. Dismissing the case would undermine the rule of law.

Potential Sentencing Outcomes

While Trump faces a maximum potential sentence of four years in prison, this outcome seems unlikely given the judge's indications. The sentencing was originally scheduled for July but has been postponed twice.

Trump's Response

Steven Cheung, Trump's communications director, criticized Judge Merchan's order in what he termed a "witch hunt." Cheung argued that this ruling violates Supreme Court immunity decisions and longstanding jurisprudence. He insisted that the case should be dismissed to allow Trump to continue with his presidential transition process without obstruction. "President Trump must be allowed to continue the Presidential Transition process and execute vital duties without interference from these Witch Hunts," Cheung stated.

Background of the Hush-Money Case

Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump denies Daniels' allegations and maintains his innocence. This conviction marks Trump as the first former president convicted of a crime.The case centers around how Trump reimbursed his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for payments made to Daniels. Cohen described the judge’s decision as "judicious and appropriate."

Other Legal Challenges

This hush-money case is currently the only one of Trump's four criminal indictments that has reached trial. Other federal cases related to the 2020 election and classified documents have been dismissed by special counsel Jack Smith, while a state election interference case in Georgia remains on hold.