Donald Trump's quick sentencing in Manhattan on Friday spurred immediate responses from legal experts. Jeremy Saland, a former Manhattan prosecutor, emphasized that the felony label cannot be undone, even as Trump continues to contest the verdict through possible appeals and high-profile statements.
Legal Analyst Reacts to Trump's Sentencing
During his interview on MSNBC on Friday morning, former Manhattan prosecutor Jeremy Saland expressed his amusement immediately following the conclusion of the felony sentencing hearing for Donald Trump.
When the legal expert sat down with the hosts Ana Cabrera and José Díaz-Balart, he assisted in breaking down the procedures that were being reported from the courtroom of Judge Juan Merchan. However, he was quick to deliver his own conclusion as the sentence hearing came to an end.
Judge Merchan's Sentencing Approach Draws Attention
As the host Cabrera pointed out that the session was over after around thirty minutes, Saland remarked that it was not surprising, that the sentencing does not have to be played out in its entirety in front of the television cameras, and that Judge Merchan is doing his job.
He made a joke about how it was almost like the ghost of [special counsel] Jack Smith not yet biting Donald Trump on the behind, which caused another panelist and lawyer named Kristin Gibbons Feden to bust out laughing, The Raw Story shares.
Trump's Felony Status Sparks Debate
Moreover, he argued that regardless of whether or not Trump is currently serving time in prison, he is a convicted felon.
The continued by saying, "No matter what he says, no matter how many times he jumps up and down, he has a right to appeal. And ultimately that will be decided. But Donald Trump is a felon with a capital 'F' -- period, and no punishment."
Details of Trump's Felony Sentencing
On Friday, the former president was scheduled to be sentenced on 34 felony counts for manipulating company documents in order to conceal hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election.
However, he was able to avoid jail time after New York justice Juan Merchan granted an unconditional release.
Why Trump Likely Avoided Jail Time
As a result of the conviction for the Class E felony, Trump could have been sentenced to up to four years in prison; however, it is far from likely that he would have been sentenced to jail time due to his elderly age and the absence of any previous criminal record.
