Donald Trump Gets 'Unconditional Discharge' In Hush Money Case. What It Means

Donald Trump was not even present in person during the court session.

US President-elect Donald Trump, who has become the first felon in the White House, was on Friday sentenced to an 'unconditional discharge' as a US court upheld his conviction in the hush money case involving unaccounted payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels.

The case pertains to the $130,000 paid to the adult film star during the 2016 US presidential election campaign to ensure her silence about their alleged affair.

What is unconditional discharge?

An unconditional discharge is a rare and lenient sentence in New York state courts, which carries no jail time, probation, or fines. As per New York law, this can be imposed "if the court is of the opinion that no proper purpose would be served by imposing any condition upon the defendant's release."

New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, while delivering the sentence, remarked, "This court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgment of conviction without encroaching on the highest office of the land, is an unconditional discharge."

It is noteworthy that Donald Trump was not physically present during the court session. Instead, he opted to appear virtually, knowing he would not face incarceration.

Justice Merchan emphasized that the “citizenry of this nation” voted to return Donald Trump to the White House, and imposing a more punitive sentence than an unconditional discharge would interfere with the protections afforded to him as the incoming US President, who will be inaugurated on January 20.

The judge further stated, "Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances."

According to The New York Times, a conditional discharge would have required Trump to fulfill specific obligations, such as paying restitution or maintaining employment. However, the unconditional discharge ensures that he will not be subject to any such requirements moving forward.

The report added that Justice Merchan, in an 18-page decision last week, indicated his intent to impose the unconditional discharge, stating it "appears to be the most viable solution to ensure finality."

Background

Donald Trump was earlier convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up the scandal. Without his electoral victory in the November 5 presidential election, he could have faced probation or up to four years in prison.

This sentencing marks a significant moment in US legal and political history, as Trump prepares to return to the White House while navigating the complexities of his legal challenges.