I think everyone expects Trump to get a fine and probation. Not because the judge is "ashamed", but because that would seem to be tariff-normal for this type of offence.Now you just sound unknowledgeable of how the world works. Stormy Daniels isn't depositing $130,000 of cash in a bank account. It would require special reporting for cash transactions. That's assuming Cohen can get a bag with $130K cash without drawing attention. I know maybe Trump could have told her to hide the money in a safe deposit box.
The entire problem with the NYDA's case is misclassification itself happens all the time. The penalty is a minor fine. I don't think anyone here would bet against it getting thrown out by an appeals court. The tell will be when the Judge rules on sentencing. He doesn't want to bring any more attention to the circus he helped create in his court. I'm guessing the big, bad felon gets a fine and probation.
You're not great w legal analysis, Earp.