Judge Juan Melchán ordered President-elect Donald Trump to be sentenced before Inauguration Day on January 20th.
Merchan Found He ordered President Trump to appear in court on January 10, saying there was “no legal impediment” to imposing a sentence.
“This court has carefully considered the parties' respective claims and determined that ignoring the jury's verdict is neither the best nor the only way to reconcile competing interests,” Marchand wrote.
Marchan wrote that waiting to sentence Trump until the end of his term is “less desirable” than sentencing before his term begins, indicating he did not intend to impose “any prison sentence.” did.
“[A] “A sentence of unconditional release appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality and allow the defendant to pursue his appellate options,” Marchand wrote.
BREAKING: Judge orders Trump to be sentenced before Inauguration Day on January 10th. pic.twitter.com/uijFDojL9H
— Katelyn Richardson (@katesrichardson) January 3, 2025
The executive order states that President Trump may appear virtually at the hearing.
“[T]His court recognizes the importance of considering and balancing the seemingly competing factors before it. That is, to ensure that the executive branch is free to fully carry out the duties of the president and protect the nation's interests, unencumbered by pending criminal proceedings. Ensuring that the Supreme Court's decisions and public expectations that all people are equal and no one is above the law are respected. and the importance of upholding the sanctity of jury verdicts,” Marchand wrote. “This court is not at all satisfied that the first element, alone or in combination with Clayton's other elements, outweighs the others at this stage of the proceeding.”
This is breaking news and will be updated.
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