The Manhattan district attorney has clarified that reports of Donald Trump's sentencing being adjourned are inaccurate. The confusion arose from an automated court schedule alert based on a previous email indicating a stay on all future dates.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg is expected to submit a recommendation to Judge Juan Merchan regarding the case. Merchan has the authority to decide whether to delay sentencing until after Trump leaves office, dismiss the conviction, or grant an unconditional discharge.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to Stormy Daniels. The maximum sentence he could face is up to four years in prison.
Due to the presidential election and Trump's victory, the timeline for court proceedings has been uncertain. Prosecutors requested and were granted a stay on all deadlines, including the sentencing date of Nov. 26.
Trump's legal team, advocating for the dismissal of charges, also supported the stay. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity from criminal prosecution further complicates the case.
While the court ruled in favor of immunity for actions taken as president, the extent of protection for state convictions remains unclear. Bragg's office maintains that the case focuses on Trump's personal conduct, not his presidential actions.
Trump has denounced the case as a politically motivated 'witch hunt,' a sentiment he has expressed towards his critics and opponents. Even if his convictions stand, Trump has avenues for appeal or dismissal of charges before the sentencing hearing.
Given the circumstances, it appears unlikely that Trump will serve any prison time in relation to these charges.
