President-elect Donald Trump has requested a judge to delay his upcoming sentencing in the hush money case as they appeal recent rulings upholding the verdict. Trump's legal team plans to challenge Judge Juan M. Merchan's decision, which scheduled the sentencing for Friday, just before Trump's second term inauguration.
Merchan had previously rejected Trump's attempts to dismiss the indictment based on presidential immunity and his imminent return to the White House. Despite signaling that he is unlikely to impose punishment on Trump for his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, Merchan set the case for sentencing.
Trump's lawyers argue that their appeal should trigger an automatic stay in the proceedings or, if not, Merchan should grant a pause to prevent the sentencing from proceeding as scheduled.
The Manhattan district attorney's office, which prosecuted the case, has not yet commented on the latest developments.
Merchan emphasized the importance of bringing finality to the matter through sentencing, suggesting an unconditional discharge as a potential resolution. This would close the case without jail time, fines, or probation.
Trump will have the opportunity to address the court at his sentencing, along with his legal team and prosecutors. Following the sentencing, Trump can pursue an appeal, as he has indicated.
If the sentencing proceeds as planned, Trump would become the first president to assume office with felony convictions. The charges stem from an alleged scheme to conceal hush money paid to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign.
Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal lawyer and a key witness in the case, supported Merchan's decision to sentence Trump without punishment, deeming it appropriate given the circumstances.
The sentencing, initially scheduled for July 11, was postponed multiple times at the defense's request. Following Trump's election win, the sentencing was further delayed to allow both sides to provide input on the case's future.
