President-elect Donald Trump will arrive on January 10 for the announcement of the verdict in the hush money case. About this writes Bloomberg.
New York State Judge Juan Merchan in Manhattan denied Trump’s request to overturn the guilty verdict, noting that no prison sentence is expected. Merchan emphasized that overturning the jury’s decision would be illegal, but he does not consider imprisonment necessary in this sentence.
“This court has carefully considered the arguments of the parties and has concluded that overturning the jury’s verdict is not the best way to reconcile the interests.” – emphasized Merchan.
Donald Trump, 78, could face up to four years in prison after a jury convicted him in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush payments to a porn star before the 2016 election .
Trump’s press secretary, Stephen Cheung, criticized the court’s decision, calling it “a remnant of the witch-hunting campaign.”
“President Trump must continue the transition process and carry out the duties of the presidency without hindrance. He will continue to fight these deceptions until they are all destroyed.”Cheung said.
Trump is facing four criminal charges during his campaign, but only the hush money case went to trial before the election. Two of those cases were dismissed after his victory, while an investigation in the state of Georgia related to attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election remains unresolved.
Judge Merchan recently rejected Trump’s attempt to stop the case, saying presidential immunity does not apply in the case. He also refused to recognize “reverse immunity” that could appear after Trump’s election victory.
“The laws do not provide an opportunity to undo criminal acts committed before taking office, and do not create a new type of immunity for the president-elect.”, — said Merchan.
Trump had previously asked to delay the announcement of the verdict until after the election, but the judge said that could not be a reason for further delays. The judge also assured that the pronounced sentence will not become an obstacle for Trump to fulfill his duties as president.
“The victory in the elections shows that the stigmas did not affect the ability of the accused to carry out his duties.” – concluded Merchan.
About the case
The case arose out of a $130,000 payment made by attorney Michael Cohen to adult film actress Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election. A jury found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records designed to conceal the transaction. Trump has pleaded not guilty, saying the case is politically motivated and aimed at damaging his 2024 re-election bid.
Falsifying business records can carry up to four years in prison, but experts suggest that Trump’s age (78) and lack of prior convictions make such a sentence less likely.
Judge Merchan said that the charges, which relate to “purely personal actions”, do not interfere with the work of the executive branch, so the trial will not prevent Trump from fulfilling the duties of the president.
