Donald Trump has been sentenced to an “unconditional discharge” in a case involving hush money paid to Stormy Daniels, an adult film star.

An unconditional discharge means the president-elect will not face fines, probation, or jail time.

The presiding judge, Juan Merchan, delivered the sentence on Friday, bringing to a close a case that had been ongoing for nearly a year. Merchan called the case “truly extraordinary,” stating, “Never before has this court been presented with such a unique and remarkable set of circumstances.”

Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on charges related to a $130,000 payment to Daniels in 2016. On May 30, 2024, he was found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records. This verdict made Trump the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony. He is also set to become the first U.S. president convicted of a felony while in office, as he will assume the presidency on January 20.

Although paying hush money is not illegal in New York, the charges stemmed from how Trump reimbursed his lawyer, who had paid Daniels. Prosecutors alleged Trump falsified business records to conceal the payment in exchange for her silence about a claimed 2006 sexual encounter. They also accused him of participating in an illegal conspiracy to influence the 2016 election and suppress negative information about his alleged actions.

Prosecutors recommended an unconditional discharge, emphasizing the importance of respecting the office of the presidency as Trump prepares for his inauguration. Merchan noted that this sentence was “the only lawful option” to avoid infringing upon the authority of the presidency.

“I wish you godspeed as you assume your second term in office,” the judge told Trump, who attended the hearing virtually.