Trump Sentencing Scheduled for January 10
Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing is set to occur in a Manhattan courtroom today for his sentencing in the hush money case related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Scheduled for 9:30 a.m. EST, Trump’s sentencing follows months of legal proceedings, and with the clock ticking down, this hearing could mark a climactic point in his ongoing legal battles.
Supreme Court Denies Trump’s Last-Minute Request
Trump’s legal team made a final attempt to delay the sentencing, asking the Supreme Court to intervene and stop the process. However, the Supreme Court of the United States, in a late-night decision on January 4, rejected Trump’s request to pause the sentencing. The vote was 5-4, with conservative justices Amy Coney Barrett and John Roberts siding with the three liberal justices. This decision effectively cleared the path for the sentencing to proceed as scheduled.
In his statement on Truth Social, Trump called the verdict “nothing other than Weaponization of our Justice System against a Political Opponent” and insisted that he would appeal both the conviction and the sentencing. He also thanked the Supreme Court for considering his request, even though the outcome was not in his favor.
Trump’s Sentencing: What Time and What to Expect
For those asking “What time is Trump’s sentencing?”, the hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. EST on January 10. The case, which has attracted considerable attention, will be presided over by Judge Juan Merchan in a Manhattan courtroom. Trump is expected to attend the hearing virtually.
The sentencing is tied to 34 felony counts for falsifying business records in relation to the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels, payments that Trump made in an effort to prevent Daniels from publicly discussing their alleged affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election. These charges carry penalties of up to four years in prison for each count, although no one expects Trump to face incarceration.
Judge Merchan’s Likely Ruling: An Unconditional Discharge
While Trump could technically face up to four years in prison for each of the 34 charges, Judge Juan Merchan has indicated that he is unlikely to impose any jail time. According to statements made by the judge, he is leaning toward granting Trump an “unconditional discharge,” which would effectively mean no prison time, probation, or fines. However, this discharge would still leave Trump with a criminal conviction on his record.
The judge has expressed worries about the practicality of imposing a sentence that could interfere with Trump’s ability to assume office, particularly given his imminent bid for the presidency in 2024. Legal experts believe that the most likely outcome is a sentence without any significant penalties, allowing Trump to formally appeal the conviction.
What Does an Unconditional Discharge Mean?
For those wondering “What is an unconditional discharge?”, under New York state law, it means that the defendant is released without imprisonment, fines, or probation supervision. It is typically used when the court believes that imposing any conditions would serve no proper purpose. In Trump’s case, it would mean that while he remains a convicted felon, there would be no additional punishment beyond the conviction itself.
Can Trump Pardon Himself or Be Pardoned?
As for questions surrounding the potential for a self-pardon, the answer is no—Trump cannot pardon himself in this case. The charges brought against him were in state court, and only federal charges can be pardoned by a sitting president. In addition, the legal question of whether a president could pardon themselves in a federal case remains unresolved, though the Justice Department’s guidance from the 1970s suggests that such a pardon would not be valid.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
Even if Trump is not sentenced to prison or required to pay fines, his conviction still has long-term implications. Convicted felons are restricted from serving on a jury, owning firearms, and in Trump’s case, he may face travel restrictions to countries that bar convicted felons. This could be a challenge for Trump, especially as he prepares for international engagements as a presidential candidate.
The Legal Battle to be Continued
While today’s sentencing marks an important legal milestone for Donald Trump, the case is far from over. Trump’s legal team has already signaled that they will appeal the verdict and sentencing. The ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States in this case, often referred to as “Supreme Court Trump ruling”, was pivotal, and the ongoing appeals will likely determine the final outcome.
As for “when is Trump’s sentencing”, it’s clear that the legal proceedings will continue to unfold in the coming months. Trump’s case is still alive, and with each decision from the Supreme Court and other courts, the saga deepens.
For more updates on the Trump sentencing and legal battles, stay tuned to trusted outlets like MSNBC News and KY3 for continued coverage. The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on Trump’s future political ambitions, especially as he seeks to reclaim the White House.
