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.
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.
Breaking on NBC News: ‘trump sentenced to unconditional discharge’. No fine, no nothing. The most lenient sentence possible.
*Resigned sigh.*
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Q.E.D.
Fuck.
No man is above the law. Therefore Trump is clearly no man.
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.
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.
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).
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.
If you’re referring to gambling properties, I’m not sure that he, or the Trump Organization, are still involved with any casinos.
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).
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:
This is why Susan Collins was certain that Trump has learned a “pretty big lesson.”
Oh, he sure has, Susan. He sure has.
He may lose his liquor license in New Jersey.
Judge Merchan said as much.
And Trump is already crowing that this proves he was innocent. Good lord.
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?
Depends. How much money ya got?
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?
No.
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.