An inconsequential sentence for Trump in the Stormy Daniels case

Donald Trump fought hard until the last minute to avoid conviction. He finally received his sentence, with the judge granting him an “unconditional discharge” after being found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments intended to conceal an alleged affair with Stormy Daniels.

Donald Trump’s high-profile trial in this case took place from April 15 to May 30, 2024.

Trump appeared in videoconference to receive his sentence, finally pronounced on the morning of January 10. His urgent request to the Supreme Court to prevent the hearing from taking place had been rejected the day before, with the close 5-4 decision going against the former president.

At his sentencing hearing via Zoom, prosecuting attorney Joshua Steinglass sharply criticized Trump, saying he had done lasting damage to public perception of the criminal justice system and considered himself above the law. Trump’s lawyer Todd Blanche says the trial has been a terrible experience for his client.

Trump took to the stage to share his experience, declaring the ruling a setback for the New York justice system. He also said that Alvin Bragg had not wished to pursue the case, claiming that it had been mishandled and should never have been brought to court.

Trump’s conviction in this case constitutes a Class E misdemeanor in New York, punishable by a maximum sentence of four years in prison. However, most people convicted receive probation rather than jail time.

It was nonetheless clear that Trump would not face a harsh sentence, especially after Judge Juan Merchan’s opinion was posted last week.

He said the trial represented “a truly extraordinary case”, but that once the trial got underway, it was a trial like any other. Merchan also stressed that the legal protections surrounding a president are exceptional, but the person himself is not.

Merchan finally granted him an “unconditional discharge”, without jail time, fines or probation. The jury verdict does, however, make Trump’s conviction official.

Trump gets off lightly in this high-profile court case, escaping punishment for his actions. However, the conviction remains on his criminal record, making him the first US president with a criminal conviction to his credit.

This chapter is probably not over for Trump, as his lawyer has announced their intention to appeal the verdict.