In a significant ruling, a New York judge has denied Donald Trump’s attempt to delay his sentencing in a felony hush money case.
Judge Rejects Trump's Request to Postpone Sentencing in Hush Money Case
Judge Rejects Trump's Request to Postpone Sentencing in Hush Money Case
Court ruling clears path for upcoming sentencing amid ongoing legal battles for the former president.
In a key decision, Justice Juan Merchan of New York has dismissed former President Donald Trump's request to delay the sentencing scheduled for this Friday regarding his felony hush money case. The judge stated that Trump's arguments for postponement largely reiterate claims made in previous court filings, which included demands for dismissal based on allegations of political bias. Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records earlier this year, marking a historic moment as he became the first former president to face such charges.
In the court's ruling, Justice Merchan firmly stated, "Defendant's motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED." The legal battles have arisen from Trump’s alleged attempts to conceal reimbursements related to a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress, mischaracterized as legal fees. Although Trump has maintained his innocence, claiming no wrongdoing, his legal team is pushing for an appellate hearing on the matter.
Sentencing has faced several delays due to the conflicts presented by the upcoming 2024 presidential election and Trump's claims of presidential immunity, which Justice Merchan dismissed in a previous ruling. An order issued on January 3 confirmed that the judge is prepared to continue with sentencing before Trump’s term begins on January 20, 2025, specifying that he would not impose any jail time, fines, or probation, opting instead for an "unconditional discharge."
Trump has been instructed to attend the sentencing either virtually or in person, though his team has been silent on whether he will appear at the scheduled hearing. Spokesman Steven Cheung reiterated Trump's claim that the prosecution is politically motivated, asserting that the American public supports an end to what he called the "weaponization" of the justice system.
In the meantime, the Manhattan District Attorney's office proposed that Trump's request for a stay be denied and pointed out that he could still choose to attend the sentencing virtually. Following the election, legal submissions from both Trump’s defense team and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg have surged, with Bragg's office initially indicating that they would not resist delaying the sentencing until after Trump's term. However, they have now urged the court to proceed with the sentencing this Friday.
Justice Merchan is hopeful that resolving this matter will bring finality to the prolonged legal issues surrounding Trump but has left room for potential further challenges in Trump's ongoing legal battles.
In the court's ruling, Justice Merchan firmly stated, "Defendant's motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED." The legal battles have arisen from Trump’s alleged attempts to conceal reimbursements related to a $130,000 payment made to an adult film actress, mischaracterized as legal fees. Although Trump has maintained his innocence, claiming no wrongdoing, his legal team is pushing for an appellate hearing on the matter.
Sentencing has faced several delays due to the conflicts presented by the upcoming 2024 presidential election and Trump's claims of presidential immunity, which Justice Merchan dismissed in a previous ruling. An order issued on January 3 confirmed that the judge is prepared to continue with sentencing before Trump’s term begins on January 20, 2025, specifying that he would not impose any jail time, fines, or probation, opting instead for an "unconditional discharge."
Trump has been instructed to attend the sentencing either virtually or in person, though his team has been silent on whether he will appear at the scheduled hearing. Spokesman Steven Cheung reiterated Trump's claim that the prosecution is politically motivated, asserting that the American public supports an end to what he called the "weaponization" of the justice system.
In the meantime, the Manhattan District Attorney's office proposed that Trump's request for a stay be denied and pointed out that he could still choose to attend the sentencing virtually. Following the election, legal submissions from both Trump’s defense team and Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg have surged, with Bragg's office initially indicating that they would not resist delaying the sentencing until after Trump's term. However, they have now urged the court to proceed with the sentencing this Friday.
Justice Merchan is hopeful that resolving this matter will bring finality to the prolonged legal issues surrounding Trump but has left room for potential further challenges in Trump's ongoing legal battles.
