# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024) **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Tags:** trump\ **Created:** [March 9, 2023, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953 "2023-03-09T22:53:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 330
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6581 "2025-01-10T09:22:24Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I hope for a suspended sentence and fines. With a suspended sentence, he could not associate with any known felons. I’m still hoping for house arrest. He can still be President, conducting most of his business from inside the White House, and he can leave for essential Presidential business, but he won’t be allowed to go golfing. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6582 "2025-01-10T12:43:57Z")
It’s unsettling that four justices (the usual suspects) would have decided the other way, in spite of there being no legal basis for doing so. So if one of the sane five dies in the next four years, there will be one more stooge on the court, likely Aileen Cannon, and there will be no check on DJT’s lawlessness. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6583 "2025-01-10T15:19:48Z")
Breaking on NBC News: ‘trump sentenced to unconditional discharge’. No fine, no nothing. The most lenient sentence possible. \*_Resigned sigh._\* ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6584 "2025-01-10T15:58:00Z")
Justice delayed is justice denied. Q.E.D. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6585 "2025-01-10T16:00:40Z")
Fuck. ---
**Author:** ![JacobSwan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@JacobSwan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JacobSwan)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6586 "2025-01-10T16:29:40Z")
No man is above the law. Therefore Trump is clearly no man. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6587 "2025-01-10T16:34:25Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Breaking on NBC News: ‘trump sentenced to unconditional discharge’. No fine, no nothing. The most lenient sentence possible. When Trump won the election, I didn’t expect anything to happen with any of the criminal cases against him. While I don’t think Trump will always get whatever he wants, he will never face consequences for his bad actions. Sauron won. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6588 "2025-01-10T16:51:03Z")
I assume, even if he’s not allowed to associate with other felons, nothing will ever come of it. But what about the felons that associate with him? The only silver lining I can find with this ruling is that it may mean a number of his associates won’t be willing to risk going back to jail for him. It may also make prosecutors more keen on picking off people in his orbit instead of going directly for him. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6589 "2025-01-10T16:53:02Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Breaking on NBC News: ‘trump sentenced to unconditional discharge’. No fine, no nothing. The most lenient sentence possible. > > **Resigned sigh.** > **[Trump is sentenced in his hush money case, but the judge declines to impose...](https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-sentencing-stormy-daniels-33e070bd3c1acb609bba13f23d784a3a)** > > With Trump 10 days from inauguration, Judge Juan M. Merchan has indicated he plans a no-penalty sentence called an unconditional discharge. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6590 "2025-01-10T16:55:53Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > But what about the felons that associate with him? I participated in felony sentencing of a lot of defendants in the 90s in state and federal courts. (so it’s been awhile) I don’t recall any being ordered to refrain from associating with known criminals, etc. as part of their sentence. It might be more common as a condition of parole (which we no longer have in Washington). ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6591 "2025-01-10T17:01:11Z")
I read that in some states where he has properties, convicted felons aren’t allowed to run certain types of businesses (could I be more vague?) but I doubt anyone would bother to enforce it. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6592 "2025-01-10T17:03:57Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I read that in some states where he has properties, convicted felons aren’t allowed to run certain types of businesses (could I be more vague?) If you’re referring to gambling properties, I’m not sure that he, or the Trump Organization, are still involved with any casinos. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6593 "2025-01-10T17:04:14Z")
I would bet all I own that I would not get such a lenient sentence for the same crimes (and I have no criminal record at all). ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6594 "2025-01-10T17:06:01Z")
Having placed a gentle but passionate kiss on Trump’s wrist, Merchan just effectively ensured that Trump’s felony convictions will mean … pretty much nothing whatsoever: > **[Trump Is a Convicted Felon. Does That Actually Mean Anything?](https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/trump-convicted-felon-what-does-that-mean/)** > > He cannot serve on a jury. BU LAW experts explain what rights the former president may or may not see restricted and how that could affect a Trump presidency This is why Susan Collins was certain that Trump has learned a “pretty big lesson.” Oh, he _sure has,_ Susan. He sure has. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6595 "2025-01-10T17:26:45Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > I read that in some states where he has properties, convicted felons aren’t allowed to run certain types of businesses (could I be more vague?) He may lose his liquor license in New Jersey. > [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I would bet all I own that I would not get such a lenient sentence for the same crimes (and I have no criminal record at all). Judge Merchan said as much. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6596 "2025-01-10T19:45:15Z")
And Trump is already crowing that this proves he was innocent. Good lord. [![](https://i.imgur.com/indt1QU.png) ](https://i.imgur.com/indt1QU.png) ---
**Author:** ![KidCharlemagne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6597 "2025-01-10T20:20:00Z")
Merchan apparently said that unconditional discharge was the only lawful sentence he could pass down. Why is that? Trump isn’t president yet. He could have at least fined him and let the higher courts decide, no? ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6598 "2025-01-10T21:00:27Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I would bet all I own that I would not get such a lenient sentence for the same crimes (and I have no criminal record at all). Depends. How much money ya got? ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6599 "2025-01-10T22:39:54Z")
> [@KidCharlemagne](#): > > Merchan apparently said that unconditional discharge was the only lawful sentence he could pass down. Why is that? Trump isn’t president yet. He could have at least fined him and let the higher courts decide, no? Seems ridiculous to me. A sentence should be passed with no regard to the person it is being imposed upon (excepting prior crimes and whatever other mitigating circumstances apply). As soon as you start saying, “This person is special” there is no end to the fuckery that can happen. White guy? Rich? Part of the family? Want a good deal on a car from the dealership they own? It is a colossal failure of the justice system. I have been impressed with justice Merchan till now but it all just went out the window. No prison seemed a treat for Trump with this but no fine? WTF? ---
**Author:** ![PhillyGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ed655f/32.png) [@PhillyGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PhillyGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953/6600 "2025-01-10T22:44:23Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > He may lose his liquor license in New Jersey. No. [Trump’s company has said his properties are all owned through corporate entities, and that he is not officer or director of any entity that holds any liquor licenses.](https://www.kxan.com/news/political-news/ap-trump-can-still-vote-after-sentencing-but-cant-own-a-gun-and-will-have-to-turn-over-dna-sample/) According to my link, he can’t “possess a firearm”. I’m not sure if I believe that or not — legally it is true, but anyone who reads the newspapers should realize Trump is above the law. Or would the Secret Service refuse to guard him if he was armed? If they value their safety, they should. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953.md?page=329) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/manhattan-prosecutors-file-criminal-charges-for-trump-re-stormy-daniels-case-ongoing-discussion-here-guilty-on-all-34-counts-may-30-2024/980953.md?page=331)