Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, is set to be sentenced on Friday following his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
The charges stem from a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, made during the 2016 presidential campaign.
In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty of orchestrating the payment to suppress allegations of an affair with Daniels in 2006.
Trump, the first former US president to be convicted of a crime, could face sentencing in person or virtually, as decided by Judge Juan Merchan.
Judge Merchan, who presided over the case, has indicated he is unlikely to impose jail time. He suggested he would grant Trump an unconditional discharge, allowing the 78-year-old to enter the White House as a convicted felon without facing further legal conditions.
Trump potentially faced up to four years in prison, but legal experts anticipated leniency, even before his 2024 election victory.
Trump’s legal team argued for sentencing to be postponed, citing an ongoing appeal of the conviction and claiming immunity from prosecution should extend to a president-elect.
However, Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer dismissed these arguments, denying an interim stay.
“After consideration of the papers submitted and the extensive oral argument, movant’s application for an interim stay is denied,” Gesmer ruled.
Trump’s attorneys are expected to appeal to the full appellate court and potentially the Supreme Court.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Trump labeled Judge Merchan a “crooked judge” and criticized the gag order issued in the case.
The conviction and subsequent sentencing add to the controversies surrounding Trump, whose supporters rioted at the Capitol four years ago after his 2020 election loss.
Despite his legal challenges, Trump was certified as the winner of the 2024 presidential election on Monday, setting him up to be sworn in on January 20.
Judge Merchan’s 18-page ruling last week dismissed motions to throw out the case, though he acknowledged that Trump would be immune from prosecution for actions taken while in office once he is sworn in.
The sentence marks a historic moment as Trump prepares to return to the White House under the shadow of a criminal conviction, underscoring the polarizing nature of his presidency and the legal challenges he continues to face.