I know the talking heads are saying that because DJT is a first time offender, he will likely not be incarcerated. But then the sentencing judge is Merchan, the same one who handed Trump $10,000 in fines for violating his gag order. And what he said when doing so is the interesting part:
“Because this is now the 10th time that this Court has found Defendant in criminal contempt, spanning three separate motions, it is apparent that monetary fines have not and will not, suffice to deter Defendant from violating this Court’s lawful orders.”
Given that the judge is cognizant that fines mean nothing to DJT, perhaps he will wish to sanction him by other means. That could mean imprisonment. But not before the election. Trump will surely appeal the verdict, avoiding any immediate consequences until well after November 5th. If there’s one thing Trump is good at, it’s delaying tactics. Thankfully, he will not be able to pardon himself if elected. Only the Governor of NY can do that.
Pardoning is done at their sole discretion. There is nothing illegal about bribing for a pardon. Trump could easily have a SPAC say “hey, here’s $500m, pardon him and retire.” Political suicide for sure. But not illegal, there is precedent, and if there’s life changing money (maybe a fraction of that) there’s a possibility.
I know the talking heads are saying that because DJT is a first time offender, he will likely not be incarcerated. But then the sentencing judge is Merchan, the same one who handed Trump $10,000 in fines for violating his gag order. And what he said when doing so is the interesting part:
“Because this is now the 10th time that this Court has found Defendant in criminal contempt, spanning three separate motions, it is apparent that monetary fines have not and will not, suffice to deter Defendant from violating this Court’s lawful orders.”
Given that the judge is cognizant that fines mean nothing to DJT, perhaps he will wish to sanction him by other means. That could mean imprisonment. But not before the election. Trump will surely appeal the verdict, avoiding any immediate consequences until well after November 5th. If there’s one thing Trump is good at, it’s delaying tactics. Thankfully, he will not be able to pardon himself if elected. Only the Governor of NY can do that.
Trying to understand… Wouldn’t he just coerce the governor into pardoning him once president?
Naw Hocul would never do that, would be political suicide in NY.
Pardoning is done at their sole discretion. There is nothing illegal about bribing for a pardon. Trump could easily have a SPAC say “hey, here’s $500m, pardon him and retire.” Political suicide for sure. But not illegal, there is precedent, and if there’s life changing money (maybe a fraction of that) there’s a possibility.
Look up Mark Rich as an example.