Judge Refuses to Penalize Donald Trump in “Hush Money” Case, No Jail Time or Fines

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On January 10, 2025, a Manhattan judge decided not to impose any penalty on Donald Trump following his conviction for concealing a “hush money” payoff that aimed to keep a sex scandal from voters.

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The ruling means Trump will face no jail time, probation, or fines, despite being convicted of felony charges related to payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal to prevent them from discussing alleged sexual encounters with him.

Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, sentenced Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” effectively ending the case without further punishment. Merchan, acknowledging Trump’s political future, said, “Sir, I wish you Godspeed as you assume a second term in office.”

The decision makes Trump the first U.S. president in history to be convicted of felony charges.

Trump, 78, attended the hearing remotely from Florida, appearing on video with two American flags behind him.

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READ ALSO: Supreme Court Denies Donald Trump’s Request to Delay Sentencing in Hush-Money Case

Ahead of the sentencing, he continued to decry the case as a “witch hunt” and an “injustice,” reiterating his claims of innocence. “I did nothing wrong,” he stated, calling the trial an “embarrassment to New York.”

Judge Refuses to Penalize Donald Trump in “Hush Money” Case, No Jail Time or Fines

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who led the prosecution, made history as the first prosecutor to put a sitting or former U.S. president on trial.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass criticized Trump for using “dangerous rhetoric” throughout the trial, referencing threats against the judge and prosecutors. Steinglass warned that such actions were meant to intimidate those enforcing the law.

The case focused on Trump’s role in covering up payments made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, who testified that he worked with Trump and the National Enquirer to silence Daniels and McDougal.

These actions were allegedly part of a broader effort to protect Trump’s candidacy during the 2016 election.

Although falsifying business records is a misdemeanour, doing so to cover up another crime elevated the charges to a felony.

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