A judge has ordered Donald Trump to be sentenced on January 10 in his hush money case in New York – less than two weeks before he is sworn in as president.
Judge Juan Merchan indicated he would sentence Trump to parole, in which the case is closed without jail time, fines or probation, and the president-elect can appear in person or virtually at the hearing.
The case stems from Trump’s conviction in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
Trump tried to use his victory in the presidential election to dismiss the case against him.
The ruling stemmed from Trump’s attempt to cover up compensation to his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who in 2016 paid the adult film star to keep quiet about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.
The president-elect has denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty, claiming the case was an attempt to damage his 2024 presidential campaign.
In its latest motion against the case, Trump’s defense argued that the case would hang over him during his presidency and impede his ability to govern.
The judge was told there were several measures he could take to ease Trump’s concerns about being hampered by a criminal case while serving as president that did not meet the “extreme remedy” of overturning the jury’s verdict.
Judge Merchan weighed his options, which included delaying sentencing until Trump, 78, leaves the White House in 2029 or guaranteeing a sentence that would not include prison time.
Trump initially argued, and unsuccessfully, that the case against him ran afoul of the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity in his first motion to dismiss the case.
In July, the country’s highest court ruled that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for “official acts” they take while in office.
However, last month Judge Merchan ruled that Trump’s hush money conviction was valid.
His sentencing on January 10 will make him the first criminal to serve in the White House.
The president-elect was originally scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, but Judge Merchan moved the date back after Trump won the presidential election.
A Trump spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
