President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced to unconditional discharge Friday in the Manhattan hush money case, marking him as the first person convicted of a felony to assume the U.S. presidency. Judge Juan Merchan delivered the sentence virtually, concluding the historic first criminal trial of a former president just days before Trump's inauguration.

The sentencing finalizes Trump's conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign. The unconditional discharge means Trump will face no jail time, fines, or probation.

'After careful analysis, this court determined the only lawful sentence that permits entry of judgment of conviction is an unconditional discharge,' Merchan stated, acknowledging the unique circumstances of sentencing a president-elect. He concluded by wishing Trump 'godspeed' as he pursues his second term in office.

During the hearing, prosecutor Joshua Steinglass criticized Trump's response to the conviction, stating the 'once and future President of the United States has engaged in a coordinated campaign to undermine its legitimacy.' Steinglass noted Trump's continued attacks on the legal system have 'caused enduring damage to public perception of the criminal justice system.'

Trump, appearing virtually from Florida alongside attorney Todd Blanche, maintained his innocence during the proceeding. 'I am totally innocent. I did nothing wrong,' Trump declared, characterizing the case as politically motivated.

The case centered on Trump's role in falsifying business records to conceal $130,000 in hush money payments to Daniels. While such payments aren't illegal in New York, prosecutors successfully argued the documentation was falsified to unlawfully influence the 2016 election.

The Supreme Court declined to intervene in a 5-4 decision Thursday evening, rejecting Trump's final attempt to delay the sentencing. The ruling noted that an unconditional discharge would not pose an insurmountable burden as Trump prepares to take office on January 20.