Donald Trump Seeks Delay in Sentencing Amid Presidential Inauguration

The former president's appeal and claim of political bias dominate ongoing legal battles as he prepares for the inauguration.

Donald Trump is requesting that a New York court postpone his sentencing related to a hush money case amid his upcoming presidential inauguration. The sentencing is currently set for January 10, and Trump's attorneys announced on Monday that they intend to appeal the ruling made by Justice Juan Merchan, which mandates that the sentencing move forward.

In legal documents filed with the court, Trump's team emphasized their argument that the prosecution is politically motivated and flawed, insisting on a dismissal of the charges. In May 2024, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records – a historic first for a former president facing criminal convictions. The charges arise from Trump's alleged attempts to mischaracterize reimbursements made for hush money to an adult film star as legitimate legal expenses.

While maintaining his not guilty plea and denying any illegal activity, Trump's lawyers argue that this appeal process should temporarily halt proceedings. The sentencing date has already been postponed multiple times due to the ongoing 2024 presidential election and Trump's efforts to have the case dismissed, based on presidential immunity claims which were rejected by Justice Merchan last December.

On January 3, Justice Merchan ordered that sentencing would go ahead before Trump's new term commenced but made it clear that no incarceration sentence would be considered. Trump is required to attend the hearing either in person or virtually, a notion that has been pointed out by the Manhattan district attorney as part of their response to his stay request.

In their rebuttal to Trump's plea for a stay in sentencing, the district attorney’s office argued that the former president would not suffer any prejudice from the judge's decision. Following the election, legal motions from both the Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and Trump's legal team surged, highlighting the contentious nature of the case. Bragg’s office, which initiated the prosecution, previously indicated they were open to postponing the sentencing until after Trump completes his current term. However, they are now advocating for the sentencing to be carried out as scheduled.

Justice Merchan noted that bringing resolution to this situation is essential, mentioning that the former president should be allowed to utilize all appeal avenues available to him.