Donald Trump’s legal team announced their intention to appeal Justice Juan Merchan’s decision to proceed with sentencing. They argued that filing an appeal should pause the criminal proceedings. Trump had also previously sought to dismiss the case, claiming presidential immunity, but this argument was rejected by Justice Merchan in December.
New York – Former U.S. President and President-elect Donald Trump has filed a request to delay his January 10 sentencing in his felony hush money case.
Trump’s attorneys have asked a New York judge to halt the proceedings, citing plans to appeal the decision and arguing that the case is “politically motivated” and “flawed from the very beginning.”
The case, which involves 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, stems from allegations that Trump disguised reimbursements for a hush money payment to an adult film star as legal expenses. Trump was found guilty on the charges in May 2024, making him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime. Despite the conviction, Trump has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty, denying any wrongdoing.
Trump’s legal team announced their intention to appeal Justice Juan Merchan’s decision to proceed with sentencing. They argued that filing an appeal should pause the criminal proceedings. Trump had also previously sought to dismiss the case, claiming presidential immunity, but this argument was rejected by Justice Merchan in December.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office has opposed Trump’s latest request, urging the judge to deny the motion to stay the sentencing. Prosecutors argued that proceeding with sentencing would not cause Trump any prejudice.
Justice Merchan has ordered Trump to appear for the January 10 hearing, either virtually or in person. Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s presidential transition team, framed the case as a political attack, stating, “The American people elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate that demands an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and all of the remaining witch hunts.”
The case has faced repeated delays due to the 2024 presidential election. However, with sentencing now scheduled, it marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump.
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