Judge Merchan Sentences Trump to Unconditional Discharge for All 34 Counts

TRANSCRIPT:

MERCHAN: “It is through that lens and that reality that this court must determine a lawful sentence. After careful analysis and obedience to governing mandates and pursuant to the rule of law, this court has determined that the only lawful sentence that permits entry of a judgment of conviction without encroaching upon the highest office in the land is an unconditional discharge, which the New York State legislature has determined is a lawful and permissible sentence for the crime of falsifying business records in the first degree. Therefore, at this time I impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts. Sir, I wish you Godspeed as you assume your second term in office. Thank you.”