As Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency again, New York prosecutors recommend deferring his sentencing related to falsifying business records until after his term ends, despite disagreements over presidential immunity arguments.
Prosecutors Propose Delaying Trump Sentence Until After Presidential Term
Prosecutors Propose Delaying Trump Sentence Until After Presidential Term
New York prosecutors suggest waiting to sentence Donald Trump until he completes his presidential term while opposing efforts to overturn his criminal conviction.
In a significant development regarding the legal challenges facing President-elect Donald Trump, New York prosecutors have expressed a willingness to postpone his sentencing until he completes his upcoming presidential term. While they oppose Trump's attempts to overturn his recent criminal conviction, they have indicated a preference for delaying the sentencing process rather than seeking outright dismissal.
Justice Juan Merchan, the presiding judge in Trump's case, has been urged by the Manhattan district attorney's office to consider alternatives to dismissal, particularly the option of deferring any proceedings until after Trump's anticipated departure from the White House in 2029. A new deadline of December 9 has been proposed for both parties to submit their considerations and motions, while Trump's current sentencing is scheduled for November 26.
In May, Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to actions taken during the 2016 election cycle, specifically tied to a hush-money scheme. However, the legal landscape shifted when the U.S. Supreme Court recognized a level of immunity for sitting presidents concerning "official acts." Trump's attorneys are advocating for his conviction to be overturned, citing this immunity and his upcoming term's implications.
Defense attorney Todd Blanche argued for immediate dismissal of the case, asserting that such action aligns with the U.S. Constitution and the Presidential Transition Act. He requested an extension until December 20 to file a comprehensive brief on the matter. In response, prosecutors have highlighted that the core issues of the case do not pertain to Trump's presidential duties and noted that his conviction occurred prior to the Supreme Court's recent ruling.
Legal experts suggest that Trump's sentencing may be postponed given the upcoming presidential inauguration, which would likely bring about a pause in legal proceedings. Notably, this New York case stands out among Trump's legal battles as the only one that has led to a guilty verdict thus far, complicating the prospect of immediate sentencing.
While Trump's spokesperson declared a "total and definitive victory," former Manhattan prosecutor Diana Florence expressed skepticism about the likelihood of sentencing taking place as originally scheduled. The judge has several sentencing options at his disposal, including fines, probation, or even incarceration, but analysts believe Trump might evade substantial legal repercussions.
The case dates back to April 2023 when Trump was charged with trying to obscure reimbursements related to illegal payments made to silence allegations of an affair. Trump has consistently denied accusations of misconduct and characterized the charges as politically motivated.
With the court currently deliberating the ramifications of these legal proceedings amid Trump's impending presidential term, the outcome remains uncertain as the date for his sentencing approaches.
