President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced Friday in his historic hush money case to an unconditional discharge -- allowing Trump to avoid prison, fines or probation, but cementing his status as a convicted felon just 10 days before he takes the oath of office for his second term.

An investigation that spanned more than seven years, two Manhattan district attorneys, three criminal cases, and innumerable appellate level judges and justices—including several touches by the United States Supreme Court—the district court trial of the People of the State of New York v.

Judge Juan Merchan has signaled his intention to sentence Trump to an " unconditional discharge " -- allowing Trump to avoid prison, fines or probation -- out of respect for the principle of presidential immunity, which takes effect on Jan. 20 once Trump becomes president.

Some criminal defendants use the opportunity to address the court to express remorse. The president-elect did no such thing.