Unpopular opinion: Merchan should not lock up Trump before the election.

[Qutzupalotl]

Trump is trying to delay his sentencing hearing until after the election. I believe that date should stand, but the imposition of the sentence could be postponed to a date of Merchan's choosing.

(We don't know what Merchan is thinking about the sentencing. No one does. The sentencing could involve fines, community service, incarceration — or none of the above.)

My opinion: incarceration is a possibility, albeit a remote one. My hope is that imposition of such a sentence would be delayed until, say, early December. Why? Because the more people see of Trump, the more they think “Yikes,” as Rex Huppke noted here: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100219339985#post21

Operation Just Let Him Speak is working beautifully, and my hope is that Trump stays visible and active until Election Day, rather than becoming a martyr in prison.

[jimfields33]

1. I believe for this typical crime, probation is the typical

Sentence with this being a first offense adds to that possibility. I don’t see why the judge would postpone if this is indeed what he gets.

[democratsruletheday]

3. Agree jf33....but don't forget

the ankle monitor. That should humiliate him pretty good. I'm with the OP....don't think a short club med jail stay would do anything to help our cause and it would indeed make him a martyr.

[jimfields33]

7. Definitely the ankle bracelet. Although they'd probably

give him a long leash. Grrrr.

[getagrip_already]

2. Not to worry, he wont

There is a 100% probability that even if he gets jail time, the judge will allow him to remain free pending appeal. Appeal could take up to 2 years.

[Qutzupalotl]

8. Good point about the appeal.

That would take an early incarceration off the table.

Also weighing in favor of a light sentence: he is technically a first-time offender until his other crimes are adjudicated…even the ones we saw and heard him commit in real time.

[LAS14]

4. I'm frequently glad that I'm not in Merchan's shoes.

And it finally came to me exactly why. If he sentences Trump to serve in some sort of confinement before the election, he'll be making a huge decision for the American electorate. Sure Trump's followers would turn him into a martyr, but I'm more disturbed by a single person having such an influence on the election. I say sentence him to home confinement from election day +1 until January 19.

[Tribetime]

5. Kirchner said drump might appeal the day before and maybe

The S.C. might delay it ...hope not

[getagrip_already]

9. The decision on the immunity claim is due on the 16th, sentancing is the 18th

So if he denies the motion on imunity, tsf really doesnt have much time to get it to scotus.

It would have to be an emergency appeal through sotomeyrr.

But by then, the prosecution will have filed their sentancing brief, detailing all of tsf's crimes, misdeeds, and putrid behaviors. Not just in this case, but throughout his life.

And that will be a public document.

[Tribetime]

13. Yes that's what Kirchner said and he hoped the S.C. didn't step in

[Ocelot II]

6. I agree. And he's not likely to get a prison sentence anyhow.

White-collar crime, no prior record (yet); even a normal person probably wouldn't go to prison. Prison would make him a martyr for his cult while a hefty fine (and maybe an ankle monitor) would hurt him a lot. He hates parting with money.

[karynnj]

10. Even if sentenced to jail in September, he would be free pending an appeal

until long after the election. That said, I don't think he will get prison.

[Trueblue1968]

11. Trump should be jailed NOW....20 year sentence

[Wonder Why]

12. Should be prison sentence deferred until Nov 6 at which point, he is jailed.