Blanche called today a "very sad day" both for the country and for Trump. He said he would appeal whatever sentence is brought against the incoming president.

“This is a case that without a doubt was brought by a district attorney who promised he would go after President Trump if elected, and he had to go through with that promise," he said.

Steinglass told Judge Merchan that Trump's "unrelenting attacks against this court and their families" have been "a direct attack on the rule of law" and threatens the criminal justice system itself.

The prosecutor told the court that Trump called this trial “Corrupt, Rigged, a Witch hunt or a sham too many times to count." He added that the president-elect has been held in contempt on other matters and that he has threatened to retaliate against the prosecution.

Steinglass said Trump is doing this “with the hopes that they will ignore the defendant’s transgressions because they fear he is simply too powerful to be subjected to the same rule of law as the rest of us.”

The prosecutor said that Merchan should be mindful of that contempt, saying that ultimately, "this defendant has caused enduring damage to the public perception of the criminal justice system."

Trump has looked bored, and just leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. When Steinglass said he has acted with disdain for the rule of law, he appeared as if he nodded.

Steinglass is not devoting much time to recapping the offenses, however. He is spending more time describing Trump’s lack of remorse, intimidation of witnesses, accusations of unlawful conduct by the judge and the prosecution, and threats of retaliation against the prosecutors in the hopes that they and others would be scared off from enforcing the law. Now Trump was paying attention, leaning forward on the table, but he became less attentive as Steinglass read from Chief Justice John Roberts’ year-end report, which warned of the dangers of misinformation and threats to judicial officers.

Explaining the prosecution's recommendation of unconditional release for Trump, Steinglass cited respect for the office of the presidency, noting Trump is set to be inaugurated as commander-in-chief in just 10 days. Jailing Trump would enormously complicate his ability to serve the American people as president.

Unconditional discharge is the most viable solution to pursue finality in this case, Steinglass said.

Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass walked the court through what Trump was convicted of, including a conspiracy to promote his own election.

He said that there was overwhelming evidence and that it was premeditated.

"The verdict that was delivered by a jury that was carefully chosen," Steinglass said, was "unanimous" and "must be respected."

Prosecutor Josh Steinglass, “The people recommend a sentence of unconditional release." This means Trump won't receive a penalty but will still be considered a convicted felon.

Trump is frowning with pursed lips and both he and Blanche are staring at the monitor in front of them. Trump is wearing a red and white striped tie. There are American flags behind them.

Judge Merchan addressed the court, saying that he wants to confirm "that the people and the defense counsel have both received copies of the pre-sentence report.” 

Blanche told Merchan that he did receive a copy of the report this morning, but there is one thing he wants to put on the record.

“Some of the facts and procedural history are not up to date … because of what’s happened since the date of the report," Blanche said.

Judge Merchan said that Trump was given the option to appear in person and he elected to waive his personal appearance and show up virtually.

Merchan said that appearing virtually is permitted in New York.

Trump lawyer Todd Blanche acknowledged that he is in Florida with Trump.