# Manhattan Prosecutors file criminal charges for Trump re Stormy Daniels case - ongoing discussion here (Guilty on all 34 counts, May 30, 2024)

**URL:** <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>\
**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:** 19\
**Page:** 333

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**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 12, 2025, 12:41am 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-30-2024/980953/6641 "2025-01-12T00:41:32Z")

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> [@Zoobi](#):
>
> What was the point though? If they knew that in the end there would be zero consequences then they should have simply not brought charges.

I don’t think anyone knew or understood the depth of the corruption that has turned up in the justice system, most notably at the level of the Supreme Court, and certainly no one expected Aileen Cannon. By the time it became evident, the cases already filed and in process.

I have personally found it beyond shocking.

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**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 1:02am 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-30-2024/980953/6642 "2025-01-12T01:02:17Z")

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> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> Imposing conditions of sentence such as a fine requires assigning a probation officer to oversee compliance.

I’m confused. I would have thought that a fine would be a sentence itself, not a condition of a sentence.

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**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 12, 2025, 1:03am 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-30-2024/980953/6643 "2025-01-12T01:03:04Z")

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In addition to @Aspenglow’s excellent point about the terrifying corruption in the courts and obstructionism by the SCrOTUS, the unspoken comment was that Many/Most of us were hoping that people would NOT be so blind and hateful to re-elect Trump. Or that seeing the evidence of said corruption would help prevent it from happening.

Screw this world-line, I want to jump to another fork!

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**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 12, 2025, 1:07am 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-30-2024/980953/6644 "2025-01-12T01:07:45Z")

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When someone is sentenced by a court, the court imposes conditions of sentence. Those conditions can include things like regularly reporting to the authorities (usually monthly, but can be more often), paying various fines and fees, doing a jail term, participate in an anger management class, etc., etc. There are many conditions of sentence that can be imposed.

All are overseen by a probation or parole officer, depending on how serious the sentence is. It is the responsibility of probation/parole officers to ensure that the sentenced person complies with the court’s conditions of the sentence. It’s a lot of work and the whole reason these departments exist. If the person fails to comply, then the probation/parole officer imposes a violation of sentence and has the power to return the person to court for further disciplinary actions.

I hope I’ve answered your question.

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**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 12, 2025, 1:11am 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-30-2024/980953/6645 "2025-01-12T01:11:23Z")

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> [@ParallelLines](#):
>
> Screw this world-line, I want to jump to another fork!

Scoot over, please.

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**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 12, 2025, 2:32am 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-30-2024/980953/6646 "2025-01-12T02:32:13Z")

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> [@ParallelLines](#):
>
> Screw this world-line, I want to jump to another fork!

We picked the wrong leg.

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**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 3:30am 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-30-2024/980953/6647 "2025-01-12T03:30:11Z")

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> [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
>
> We picked the wrong leg.

Pull the other one - it’s got bells on.

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**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 3:31am 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-30-2024/980953/6648 "2025-01-12T03:31:40Z")

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> **[Andy Borowitz on Substack](https://substack.com/@borowitzreport/note/c-85499744?r=4y8eu)**
>
> Merchan Says He Wanted to Spare Prison Guards Trauma of Strip-searching Trump

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**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 12, 2025, 3:51am 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-30-2024/980953/6649 "2025-01-12T03:51:38Z")

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> [@ParallelLines](#):
>
> Screw this world-line, I want to jump to another fork!

> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#):
>
> > [@Johnny\_L.A](#):
> >
> > We picked the wrong leg.
> 
> Pull the other one - it’s got bells on.

Now where really going down a wormhole. Well, a rabbit hole anyway.

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**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 4:52am 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-30-2024/980953/6650 "2025-01-12T04:52:31Z")

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> [@Aspenglow](#):
>
> certainly no one expected Aileen Cannon. By the time it became evident, the cases already filed and in process.

This. If the documents case had gone to an uncorrupted judge, it’s possible Trump would have been convicted and sentenced to something serious enough, soon enough, to disqualify him from even running for office.

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**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 6:19am 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-30-2024/980953/6651 "2025-01-12T06:19:43Z")

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> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#):
>
> This. If the documents case had gone to an uncorrupted judge, it’s possible Trump would have been convicted and sentenced to something serious enough, soon enough, to disqualify him from even running for office.

Not in time. Such things- including all the appeals- take a lot of time. We have explained several times that it never would be in time to see him in a orange jumpsuit before the election.

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**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 12:16pm 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-30-2024/980953/6652 "2025-01-12T12:16:31Z")

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> [@Cervaise](#):
>
> America is a failed democracy bordering on an outright failed state.

I understand American Exceptionalism, but you guys are not at all near a “failed democracy” and nowhere near an “outright failed state”. The idea is ludicrous.

I am Zimbabwean\*. We’ve failed as a democracy, but we still have a state.

There is a word in the local chiShona language, “zvakapressa”, which refers to the people being remarkably able to survive. It means, “we are crushed”, but carries a subtext of “this shit will pass”.

\* I (which is going to open me to criticism!) live in South Africa, though. I prefer a working state.

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**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\
**Post date:** [January 12, 2025, 5:11pm 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-30-2024/980953/6653 "2025-01-12T17:11:55Z")

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Good point. That is some thing that should be saved for the most horrific of crimes.

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**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 2:30am 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-30-2024/980953/6654 "2025-01-13T02:30:33Z")

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> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> > [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#):
> >
> > This. If the documents case had gone to an uncorrupted judge, it’s possible Trump would have been convicted and sentenced to something serious enough, soon enough, to disqualify him from even running for office.
> 
> Not in time. Such things- including all the appeals- take a lot of time. We have explained several times that it never would be in time to see him in a orange jumpsuit before the election.

On the other hand, conviction on those charges would be way more serious than the hush money case, dealing as they do with national security, and i doubt after conviction he’d get off with unconditional dismissal while appeals were pending. I’d expect there would be a sentencing following conviction, and while if it included prison time it would probably be stayed pending appeal for that Very Special Boy, still there would be a penalty imposed.

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**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 5:02am 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-30-2024/980953/6655 "2025-01-13T05:02:15Z")

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> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#):
>
> On the other hand, conviction on those charges would be way more serious than the hush money case, dealing as they do with national security, and i doubt after conviction he’d get off with unconditional dismissal while appeals were pending.

They werent gonna bring charges against a sitting president.

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**Author:** ![Biffster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biffster/32/339_2.png) [@Biffster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffster)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 5:28am 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-30-2024/980953/6656 "2025-01-13T05:28:41Z")

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> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> They werent gonna bring charges against a sitting president.

He’s not sitting YET.

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**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 2:33pm 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-30-2024/980953/6657 "2025-01-13T14:33:27Z")

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Right now he’s just a squatting president.

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**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 3:25pm 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-30-2024/980953/6658 "2025-01-13T15:25:47Z")

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> [@DrDeth](#):
>
> > [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#):
> >
> > On the other hand, conviction on those charges would be way more serious than the hush money case, dealing as they do with national security, and i doubt after conviction he’d get off with unconditional dismissal while appeals were pending.
> 
> They werent gonna bring charges against a sitting president.

He’d already been indicted in mid-2023. With a judge who wasn’t in the tank for Trump he could well have gone to trial and been convicted before the election.

[https://www.justice.gov/storage/US-v-Trump-Nauta-De-Oliveira-23-80101.pdf](https://www.justice.gov/storage/US-v-Trump-Nauta-De-Oliveira-23-80101.pdf)

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**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 13, 2025, 6:26pm 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-30-2024/980953/6659 "2025-01-13T18:26:32Z")

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YouTuber Legal Eagle has, as usual, a good overview of this decision:

[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/4tbaDI7ycrA/maxresdefault.jpg "Trump Criminally Sentenced") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tbaDI7ycrA)

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