Trump Seeks Sentencing Delay Amid Presidential Transition

In a recent court filing, Donald Trump's legal team has formally asked a New York judge to delay the sentencing related to his felony indictment for falsifying business records until after he assumes office as President. Trump's attorneys challenged the planned sentencing date, stating that they intend to appeal the conviction, claiming the prosecution is politically motivated and flawed from the start. Following the jury's verdict in May 2024, Trump became the first former president to face such legal consequences regarding allegations that he misrepresented reimbursement payments to an adult film star as part of legal expenses.

Despite repeated delays due to the presidential election and Trump's claims of presidential immunity, Justice Juan Merchan previously ruled that the sentencing must proceed before Trump’s inauguration but will avoid any incarceration recommendations. In their filings, Trump's lawyers contend that the appeal should impose a stay on the proceedings. However, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office responded by opposing the request for a stay and indicated that Trump might opt to attend the hearing virtually.

Throughout the legal proceedings, both the DA's office and Trump’s team have engaged in intense exchanges loaded with filings. Bragg's office initially did not oppose a postponement of the sentencing until after Trump’s current term, but after Justice Merchan's recent decision to move forward with the sentencing, they marked the urgency for a timely resolution of the case. In his recent ruling, Merchan emphasized the need for finality in this legal matter to alleviate the ongoing complications and alluded to Trump’s rights to appeal as proceedings continue.