U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has escaped any legal punishment other than a criminal record for his felony crimes, after a judge on Friday handed him an alternative sentence called an unconditional discharge.
Judge Juan Marchan’s ruling spares Trump any jail time, fines or probation supervision for his conviction, though the sentence cements his record as the first convicted felon to hold the White House.
The incoming president appeared remotely during the hearing with his lawyer on TV screens in the courtroom. Taking his opportunity to address the court, Trump maintained his innocence and said the case was a “tremendous setback” for the justice system.
He was convicted in May on charges he falsified business records to cover up a sex scandal threatening to break during his first presidential campaign in 2016.
A jury found him guilty on all 34 counts, making him the first president to be convicted as a felon.
Trump, 78, fought hard to stop his historic sentencing, including through an emergency application to the U.S. Supreme Court this week. Late Thursday, the top court declined to do so, in a narrow 5-4 majority.
Trump’s crimes came with a potential penalty of up to four years in prison and $5,000 US in fines for each count. But trial courts have the power to impose a different sentence if they see fit, based on all the circumstances of the crime and the criminal.
Under New York law, a judge can choose an unconditional discharge if they don’t see prison time or probation as being in the public’s best interest.
Former U.S. president Donald Trump has been found guilty in his New York hush-money trial. CBC’s Anya Zoledziowski breaks down the key evidence and witnesses that led the jury to the historic conviction.
Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the court on Friday that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office supported Merchan’s planned sentence.
“The verdict in this case was unanimous and decisive, and it must be respected,” Steinglass said.
Trump takes office on Jan. 20.
More to come.
