Just 10 days before his second inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump’s designation as a convicted felon became official in a New York court.
New York Justice Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no jail time, fine, or other penalty. Such a sentence means it will not likely interfere with Trump’s duties as president. Nevertheless, Trump has denied the allegations and indicated he will appeal—a process that could be lengthy.
Though Trump has been assailed by Democrats and the media as “convicted felon” after the jury verdict last spring, a criminal defendant isn’t formally a convicted felon until a judge enters judgment of guilt at the sentencing, legal experts such as former federal prosecutor Andrew McCarthy and Yale law professor Jed Rubenfeld.
This bookends a remarkable week for Trump of formalizing long…
