Judge sets Trump’s sentencing date in hush money case but signals no jail time

Donald Trump Picture: AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file

Donald Trump must be sentenced on January 10 in the criminal case in which he was convicted on charges involving hush money paid to a porn star, a judge ruled on Friday, adding that he is not inclined to impose a jail sentence.

Justice Juan Merchan said he denied Trump's motion to dismiss the case due to his presidential election victory. The judge said the Republican president-elect may appear for the sentencing, which will take place just 10 days before his inauguration either in-person or virtually.