NEW judge says Trump will face no sanctions in his criminal case, but upholds conviction

CNN
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President-elect Donald Trump will not face any legal penalties for his conviction in the hush money case, a New York judge ruled Friday.

However, judge Juan Merchan was in favor Trump’s beliefs in the case, rejecting the president-elect’s attempt to throw out the jury’s verdict because of his re-election in November.

Merchan set a sentencing hearing for Jan. 10, but indicated the case is essentially over. The judge said Trump can appear virtually or in person.

Trump was found guilty by a jury in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Trump’s lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. They previously indicated they would appeal any attempt to sentence him before Inauguration Day on January 20.

A spokesman for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to comment.

This story has been updated with further developments.