Steve Whalen is not legally prohibited from making campaign donations in the future but his spouse might have something to say about the matter.

Whalen, the Catonsville developer, pleaded guilty to five violations of state campaign finance law Thursday morning. He was sentenced to probation before judgment and ordered to pay $53,000 on top of $5,000 in civil citation fines.

The probation period ended a few minutes after Whalen was sentenced when he went to the clerk's office and paid the fine—the only term of his sentence.

Whalen is not legally barred from making future donations as was John Paterakis in 2009.

Nancy Whalen, the developer's wife, might have some input on the matter.

When asked if he planned on making future donations, Whalen deferred to his wife who accompanied him to court.

"Not much," she said, shaking her head.

"Everyone's got a boss," Steve Whalen said.