Former U.S. President Donald Trump has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge in the hush money case.
This decision, delivered by Justice Juan Merchan, means that Trump will face no penalty, including jail time or fines, despite being found guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records last May.
The case centered on allegations of hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to improve Trump’s chances of success in the 2016 presidential election. The sentencing had been delayed multiple times before the final hearing.
During the proceedings, Justice Merchan stated, “This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgment or conviction without encroaching on the highest office in the land is an unconditional discharge”.
Trump, who appeared virtually from Florida, maintained his innocence, declaring, “I am totally innocent”.
The sentencing confirms Trump’s status as a convicted criminal just days before his inauguration for a second term as U.S. president. Despite the conviction, the unconditional discharge means Trump will not face any further penalties.
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