US President-elect Donald Trump managed to avoid jail or any other punishment in the case related to hush money paid to a porn star, as a judge ended the case on Friday with an unconditional discharge sentence.
It is a major relief for Trump, 78, who is set to be sworn in as the next US president on January 20. Justice Juan Merchan's sentencing of Trump means he will be the first president to assume office with a felony criminal conviction. Trump was spared the jail time, fine or probation because, as Merchan said, the US Constitution protects presidents from criminal prosecution.
But, the judge categorically added that it does not “reduce the seriousness of a crime or justify its commission in any way". The jury verdict cannot be erased, unless the conviction for falsifying business records is overturned some day. As a result, it will affect some of Trump's rights. Here's how:
Can Trump be the president, despite the felony conviction?
According to federal law, he can be convicted of a crime but still hold office. The state laws, however, differ on whether a convicted person can contest state and local offices. A pardon or expungement may be necessary in some cases. But there are no such restrictions to run for federal office.
Can Trump travel outside the US?
Trump's diplomatic passport as president will allow him to travel abroad for official trips. He can also have a regular, or tourist passport. There are countries, however, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Israel, which have the right to deny visits by people with felony convictions.
Can Trump vote?
Trump will be able to vote in Florida, where he is registered. He was convicted in New York, a state which restores the voting rights of a convicted person once he or she is released. For people convicted of felonies in other states—like Trump—Florida bars a person from voting only if he or she has lost the voting rights in the state where convicted.
Can Trump own a gun?
Under federal law, people convicted of felonies are not allowed to own firearms. So, Trump cannot possess a gun.
Does Trump have to give his DNA sample?
By law, every person convicted of a felony in New York must provide a DNA sample for the state's crime databank.
Will the conviction affect Trump's businesses?
Trump would be able to re-enter the casino business, because people convicted of crime cannot get gaming licences. He had three casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but not anymore.
His felony conviction could also bar him from holding liquor licences. However, his properties are all owned through corporate entities, his company clarified, and since he is not officer or director of any entity that holds liquor licences, it would not be affected.
Can Trump get a pardon, or can he pardon himself as president?
Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes. Trump violated the state law and his case was tried in state court; so, he can only be pardoned by the New York governor. Gov. Kathy Hochul is a Democrat.
