# 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:** 331
**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, 10:56pm 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-30-2024/980953/6601 "2025-01-10T22:56:44Z")
Is it possible for the lack of sentence to be appealed? ---
**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, 11:09pm 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-30-2024/980953/6602 "2025-01-10T23:09:20Z")
Unless there was something criminal about the proceedings (e.g. the judge was bribed) I can’t see how that would work. IANAL ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 11:25pm 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-30-2024/980953/6603 "2025-01-10T23:25:52Z")
> [@PhillyGuy](#): > > 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. Not above the law of gravity. The man needs both hands to take a sip of water. I’m curious if a person is convicted but not incarcerated, is he given instructions as to what his status means? Like, if a person in on parole I’m certain they get a list of things they can and can’t do, does a person who is now a felon get something like that? ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 11:32pm 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-30-2024/980953/6604 "2025-01-10T23:32:43Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I’m curious if a person is convicted but not incarcerated, is he given instructions as to what his status means? Like, if a person in on parole I’m certain they get a list of things they can and can’t do, does a person who is now a felon get something like that? “Unconditional discharge” means exactly that: There are no conditions to his sentencing. None. No probation (parole is just for prison sentences) and no conditions of probation. The Court (Merchan) is imposing zero conditions. He is subject to any _laws_ applying to a felon in any given state or other country, meaning that if he’s prohibited from voting as a result of his felony convictions, then he can’t vote in a state that doesn’t allow it (assuming he meets all other qualifications to vote there, such as residency), if they choose to enforce them. That’s it. But the _Court_ has no further jurisdiction to impose conditions. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 11:36pm 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-30-2024/980953/6605 "2025-01-10T23:36:53Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > But the _Court_ has no further jurisdiction to impose conditions. Got it, thanks. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 11:40pm 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-30-2024/980953/6606 "2025-01-10T23:40:04Z")
Glad it was helpful. 🙂 I think Merchan did the best he could. He’s a good, tough, fearless judge. But he’d be stupid to tilt at windmills, which attempting to impose conditions of sentence would have been. Since he’s also smart, he opted to do what he could but not exceed what was possible under the very shitty circumstances. ---
**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, 11:55pm 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-30-2024/980953/6607 "2025-01-10T23:55:30Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > But he’d be stupid to tilt at windmills, which attempting to impose conditions of sentence would have been. Since he’s also smart, he opted to do what he could but not exceed what was possible under the very shitty circumstances. I do not see it this way at all. I think Merchan could have looked at past sentences for this crime and easily said he is imposing nothing unusual in this case. No one is suggesting he should have done more than what is usual (“tilting at windmills”) but he could have easily done what is normal. He did less than that (unless all cases such as this have no penalty imposed). ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 11:58pm 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-30-2024/980953/6608 "2025-01-10T23:58:26Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > He did less than that (unless all cases such as this have no penalty imposed). From what we discussed upthread, he’s _technically_ a first time offender with minimal actual consequences to anyone else in a fairly technical crime. So… yeah. He got off as easily as any other rich, white-collar criminal gets off when the damages are minor, especially when it’s the first time they get _caught_. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 11:58pm 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-30-2024/980953/6609 "2025-01-10T23:58:39Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I do not see it this way at all. I’m well aware you don’t. And it’s my view that you don’t have enough insight into the many factors that went into his decision. Neither do I, but more than you. In fact, Justice Merchan _did_ impose “nothing unusual” in this case. First time offenders almost never receive jail time in such cases. Were you aware of that? One thing I know for certain: There is nothing “normal” about sentencing a soon-to-be president. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 12:04am 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-30-2024/980953/6610 "2025-01-11T00:04:34Z")
Trump has already stated that he’s going to appeal the verdict, despite there being no sanctions involved in it. And he’s going to keep on appealing it until either some judge humors him, or the Supreme Court decides to not hear the case or upholds the verdict. Trump is being sworn in in 10 days. Given his lifestyle, there’s a fair-to-middling chance that he does in office. He was never going to face any consequences. He’d die before he would have to go to prison, and any fine will be delayed until he leaves office. Merchan’s hands were tied. On a positive note, I personally would have loved to have seen Trump sentenced to prison up until his inauguration. They could do the ceremony there at the jail, and unlock the cell after he gets sworn in. ---
**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 11, 2025, 12:06am 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-30-2024/980953/6611 "2025-01-11T00:06:07Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > In fact, Justice Merchan _did_ impose “nothing unusual” in this case. First time offenders almost never receive jail time in such cases. Were you aware of that? First time offenders usually plea out and acknowledge they did something wrong. They don’t typically hold press conferences where they refuse to acknowledge any wrong doing or accusing the judge of corruption just for doing his job. That first time offenders _almost_ never receive jail time doesn’t mean they never receive jail time. ---
**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 11, 2025, 12:06am 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-30-2024/980953/6612 "2025-01-11T00:06:18Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > I’m well aware you don’t. And it’s my view that you don’t have enough insight into the many factors that went into his decision. Neither do I, but more than you. > > In fact, Justice Merchan _did_ impose “nothing unusual” in this case. First time offenders almost never receive jail time in such cases. Were you aware of that? And you have provided no evidence that walking away from a felony (as in this case) the first time you commit one comes with nothing more than a, “Don’t do it again” punishment. I accept prison might be rare in this circumstance but not even a fine? Just a be good next time caution? Heck…I get more penalty for driving five miles over the speed limit or parking without paying the meter. Trump has less penalty than that. You think that makes sense??? Especially since you know more than me? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 12:09am 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-30-2024/980953/6613 "2025-01-11T00:09:53Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > In fact, Justice Merchan _did_ impose “nothing unusual” in this case. First time offenders almost never receive jail time in such cases. Were you aware of that? Yep, first time white collar? Suspended sentence and a fine. No jail or prison time. > [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Heck…I get more penalty for driving five miles over the speed limit or parking without paying the meter. Trump has less penalty than that Did you get a felony on your record for that? ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 12:13am 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-30-2024/980953/6614 "2025-01-11T00:13:52Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > First time offenders usually plea out and acknowledge they did something wrong. They don’t typically hold press conferences where they refuse to acknowledge any wrong doing or accusing the judge of corruption just for doing his job. That first time offenders _almost_ never receive jail time doesn’t mean they never receive jail time. And most first time offenders will not soon be in a position to ruin the lives of judges and their families, throw them in jail, order mobs to attempt to kill them, force them into hiding, destroy their careers and god knows what all else. This one can. I think there needs to be some limit to what we expect regular, good public servants to sacrifice in the name of “doing what’s right.” Blaming the people who tried their best in the face of overwhelming odds to impose normal justice but who ultimately failed because of a failure of our society to hold such people accountable (he should never have been reelected, but he was), is just the wrong approach, in my opinion. I am grateful for the Justice Merchans of this country. But I do understand the limits of their power in the face of an ignorant electorate, a corrupt SCOTUS and a defendant who is willing to employ _any tactic_ to achieve his ends – including raw abuses of the power he is about to hold again. ---
**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 11, 2025, 12:13am 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-30-2024/980953/6615 "2025-01-11T00:13:58Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Did you get a felony on your record for that? Do you think having a felony record will ever hurt Trump? Heck, it’ll probably be a point of pride for him and actually help him raise money. And his penalty paid to the state, for a felony, is less than my parking ticket. But the main point is, would you get the same non-penalty if you committed the same crime? ---
**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 11, 2025, 1:22am 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-30-2024/980953/6616 "2025-01-11T01:22:46Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > I think there needs to be some limit to what we expect regular, good public servants to sacrifice in the name of “doing what’s right.” I’m not going to blame Merchan. I blame American voters. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 1:24am 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-30-2024/980953/6617 "2025-01-11T01:24:23Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > I blame American voters. So do I. More than I can express. ---
**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 11, 2025, 1:54am 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-30-2024/980953/6618 "2025-01-11T01:54:48Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > I’m not going to blame Merchan. I blame American voters. I’ll blame both but Merchan more. He should know better. Near as I can tell he is near the beginning of a 14-year term. Short of impeachment which is super unlikely he can’t be removed. Mandatory retirement for him is 70 so he’ll sail past that. In short, he has his position until he retires. More, as a NY County Supreme Court judge I expect more from him than Joe Voter. He, more than most, should understand the importance of what is happening here. I really liked the job he did on this case until this. This makes no sense to me. This is another tick in the box that the president is above the law (and/or just rich people). ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 2:28am 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-30-2024/980953/6619 "2025-01-11T02:28:00Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > This makes no sense to me. I don’t think it makes sense to a lot of people. Maybe someday, years from now, a “tell-all” book will help explain it. After Trump (and hopefully MAGA) are long dead. ---
**Author:** ![Manlob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Manlob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Manlob)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2025, 3:02am 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-30-2024/980953/6620 "2025-01-11T03:02:12Z")
Today’s sentencing finally makes Trump a convicted felon. [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=330) [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=332)