New York, Jan 4 (IANS): In a landmark decision, Judge Juan Marchan announced that President-elect Donald Trump would avoid a prison sentence despite upholding his conviction in the controversial "hush money" case. The sentencing, scheduled for January 10—just 11 days before Trump's inauguration—will see him granted an "unconditional discharge."
Key Highlights of the Case
Conviction Details: Trump was accused by Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg of falsifying business records to classify payments to Stormy Daniels, a porn star, as legal expenses. These payments were made to secure Daniels' silence about an alleged affair.
34 Counts: Bragg treated each payment as a separate offense, leading to a conviction on 34 counts.
Dismissal of Immunity Argument: Judge Marchan rejected Trump’s lawyers' argument that presidential immunity applied, as the actions were unrelated to official duties.
Political Backdrop and Implications
Election and Public Perception: Despite the allegations, voters elected Trump, who framed himself as a victim of politically motivated prosecutions.
Potential Presidential Impact: The conviction casts a shadow over Trump’s presidency, with his inauguration scheduled for January 21.
Trump’s Reaction
On his platform, Truth Social, Trump dismissed the ruling as a “Rigged Charade” and criticized Marchan for alleged conflicts of interest, citing the judge’s daughter’s ties to Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign.
Other Legal Cases
Dropped Federal Cases: Two federal cases, one concerning retention of official records and another related to the January 6 riots, were dropped by a special counsel.
Georgia Election Interference: Another local case in Georgia remains stalled amid accusations of impropriety by the Democratic prosecutor.
Conclusion
While Trump avoids prison, the conviction underscores ongoing legal and political controversies surrounding his rise to power. His claims of persecution and politically driven charges continue to resonate with his base, shaping his narrative as he prepares to assume office.