Former President Donald Trump is seeking a delay in his sentencing for his New York hush money criminal case until after the November presidential election. Trump's lawyer has argued that holding the sentencing on September 18, just weeks before Election Day, could be seen as election interference.
The defense is awaiting a ruling from Judge Juan M. Merchan on their request to dismiss the case based on the U.S. Supreme Court's July ruling on presidential immunity. The defense has also raised concerns about the judge's impartiality due to his daughter's ties to Democratic political consulting.
The Manhattan district attorney's office, which prosecuted the case, has not commented on the delay request. Trump was convicted in May of falsifying business records related to a payment to Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an alleged encounter in 2006.
If sentenced, Trump could face up to four years in prison, probation, a fine, or a conditional discharge. This case marks the first time an ex-president has been convicted of a crime. Trump has vowed to appeal the verdict but cannot do so until after sentencing.
The defense argues that the quick turnaround from the immunity ruling to sentencing is unfair to Trump and requests more time to consider appellate options. The Supreme Court's immunity decision has implications for the case, limiting prosecutors' ability to use official acts as evidence against Trump.
Judge Merchan has yet to rule on the delay request, leaving the timing of Trump's sentencing uncertain as the legal battle continues.
