The Daily Fuckup

Donald Trump’s New York felony case stayed alive on Jan. 3, 2025, when Justice Juan M. Merchan denied his motion to dismiss the indictment and vacate the jury verdict in the hush-money case. The ruling also kept sentencing set for Jan. 10, just ahead of Trump’s return to the White House.

The order did not disturb the jury’s May 2024 verdict, which found Trump guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Merchan’s decision left that conviction in place and moved the case to sentencing rather than ending it before judgment.

In the written ruling, Merchan indicated he was leaning toward an unconditional discharge, the least severe sentence available under New York law. That would mean no jail, no probation, and no fine. The judge also signaled that incarceration was not on the table.

Trump may appear for sentencing in person or virtually. The practical effect of the order is limited, but the legal effect is not: the conviction remains on the record unless and until it is changed through the appeals process or some later court action. For now, the case stays on track, and the sentence stays on the calendar.