Judge Juan Merchan of the New York US Court, presiding over the bribery case against President-elect Donald Trump, is anticipated to deliver a ruling ten days prior to his inauguration on January 20.
The judge has indicated that Trump, the first former president to face a criminal conviction, may attend the sentencing either in person or virtually on January 10, 2025.
In a detailed 18-page ruling, Merchan dismissed multiple arguments from Trump's legal team seeking to overturn the conviction, stating he does not plan to impose a prison sentence and is inclined towards unconditional release, allowing Trump to assume office as a convicted felon.
Trump was found guilty in May of 34 counts related to falsifying business records to hide a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign.
Trump's attorneys sought dismissal of the case based on the Supreme Court's ruling last year regarding presidential immunity for actions taken while in office, but Judge Merchan refuted this claim, emphasizing that impeachment would not be an option once Trump is inaugurated.