Each of the charges carries a maximum of four years in prison, although a judge could sentence Mr Trump to probation if he is convicted.
The likelihood of his being found guilty is so far unclear, but the case has pulled the country into uncharted political territory.
Mr Trump's trial could begin as early as January 2024, Judge Merchan said, meaning the Republican could be back in court just as primaries begin to select the party's nominee for the presidential election.
While the charges relate to the payment to Stormy Daniels, prosecutors also released background documents which they say point to a pattern of trying to suppress potentially politically damaging stories.