On January 10, 2025, Trump, who was found guilty of 34 felony counts, is set to receive a sentence, which may not include incarceration.
**Trump's Sentencing Moves Forward as Judge Denies Delay Request**
**Trump's Sentencing Moves Forward as Judge Denies Delay Request**
A New York judge has ruled against Donald Trump's request to postpone his sentencing in a hush money case amidst ongoing legal battles.
Justice Juan Merchan has reiterated that there will be no postponement of Donald Trump's sentencing, scheduled for this Friday, in relation to his felony hush money case. The ruling came as Trump's legal team argued against what they claim is a politically motivated prosecution that has been flawed from the start. Following his conviction of falsifying business records in May, Trump became the first former president in the United States to receive such a conviction.
In recent court documents, Justice Merchan stated that Trump's arguments for a delay and dismissal of the case largely replicated previous contentions, concluding that the matter must be resolved to bring closure to ongoing legal issues. "Defendant's motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED," the judge noted in his decision.
The case revolves around Trump's effort to cover up a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress by classifying it as legal expenses. Denying any misconduct, Trump has remained steadfast in pleading not guilty. His legal representatives have contended that the appeal process should halt the sentencing procedure.
While the sentencing has faced numerous delays due to the upcoming 2024 presidential election and claims of presidential immunity, Justice Merchan dismissed the latter argument in December. In a January 3 order, he expressed his intention to proceed with the sentencing as Trump transitions into the presidency on January 20, but clarified that he does not plan to impose any custodial term. Instead, the sentence could result in an "unconditional discharge," which would exclude prison time, fines, or probation.
Trump's spokesperson has argued that the prosecution represents an unlawful manipulation of the justice system, a claim that supporters echo as a "witch hunt." They further emphasized that the decision undermines the democratic choice of American voters.
While the Manhattan District Attorney's office has previously suggested a willingness to defer the sentencing until after Trump's term concludes, they have ultimately requested that the hearing proceeds as scheduled, asserting that Trump's rights would not be compromised. The judge has commented on the necessity of a final resolution to the ongoing legal uncertainties but allowed room for Trump's legal team to pursue additional appeals thereafter.
In recent court documents, Justice Merchan stated that Trump's arguments for a delay and dismissal of the case largely replicated previous contentions, concluding that the matter must be resolved to bring closure to ongoing legal issues. "Defendant's motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED," the judge noted in his decision.
The case revolves around Trump's effort to cover up a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress by classifying it as legal expenses. Denying any misconduct, Trump has remained steadfast in pleading not guilty. His legal representatives have contended that the appeal process should halt the sentencing procedure.
While the sentencing has faced numerous delays due to the upcoming 2024 presidential election and claims of presidential immunity, Justice Merchan dismissed the latter argument in December. In a January 3 order, he expressed his intention to proceed with the sentencing as Trump transitions into the presidency on January 20, but clarified that he does not plan to impose any custodial term. Instead, the sentence could result in an "unconditional discharge," which would exclude prison time, fines, or probation.
Trump's spokesperson has argued that the prosecution represents an unlawful manipulation of the justice system, a claim that supporters echo as a "witch hunt." They further emphasized that the decision undermines the democratic choice of American voters.
While the Manhattan District Attorney's office has previously suggested a willingness to defer the sentencing until after Trump's term concludes, they have ultimately requested that the hearing proceeds as scheduled, asserting that Trump's rights would not be compromised. The judge has commented on the necessity of a final resolution to the ongoing legal uncertainties but allowed room for Trump's legal team to pursue additional appeals thereafter.
