New York prosecutors opposing Trump's efforts to overturn his conviction propose delaying sentencing until after his presidential term, citing legal complexities and recognizing potential presidential immunity.
Trump's Sentence on Hold: Prosecutors Suggest Delay Until After Presidential Term
Trump's Sentence on Hold: Prosecutors Suggest Delay Until After Presidential Term
Prosecutors signal willingness to postpone Trump’s sentencing, suggesting deferral until 2029 as he prepares for inauguration.
In a remarkable twist in the ongoing legal saga surrounding President-elect Donald Trump, New York prosecutors have indicated they might support deferring his sentencing until he vacates the White House in 2029. The proposal comes as the Manhattan district attorney’s office opposes Trump's efforts to annihilate his criminal conviction for falsifying business records. They have communicated to Justice Juan Merchan that they prefer the judge to explore alternatives to outright dismissal of the case, emphasizing that the issues at hand surrounding Trump's conviction predate the US Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity.
Scheduled to be sentenced on 26 November for 34 counts relating to a cover-up linked to a possible sex scandal during his first presidential run, Trump's case could face significant delays. The Manhattan prosecutors have requested a new deadline by 9 December for motions and filings related to the case. With Trump's impending inauguration in January, legal experts suggest that the case may effectively pause, allowing for a potential re-evaluation of the charges against him down the line. Former prosecutor Diana Florence anticipates minimal chances that Trump will face sentencing at the originally set date.
As the conflict unfolds, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, has proclaimed a “total and definitive victory,” despite the uncertain fate of the New York case. Since being charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in April 2023, Trump has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging political bias against him, while prosecutors assert the case is a question of election interference due to the alleged hush-money scheme.
It remains to be seen how Justice Merchan will rule on the prosecution's motions or whether the case will indeed be placed on the back burner as Trump prepares to take office once more. The legal intricacies involved highlight a unique intersection of American politics and judicial processes, leaving analysts pondering the implications of this unprecedented scenario.
Scheduled to be sentenced on 26 November for 34 counts relating to a cover-up linked to a possible sex scandal during his first presidential run, Trump's case could face significant delays. The Manhattan prosecutors have requested a new deadline by 9 December for motions and filings related to the case. With Trump's impending inauguration in January, legal experts suggest that the case may effectively pause, allowing for a potential re-evaluation of the charges against him down the line. Former prosecutor Diana Florence anticipates minimal chances that Trump will face sentencing at the originally set date.
As the conflict unfolds, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, has proclaimed a “total and definitive victory,” despite the uncertain fate of the New York case. Since being charged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in April 2023, Trump has consistently maintained his innocence, alleging political bias against him, while prosecutors assert the case is a question of election interference due to the alleged hush-money scheme.
It remains to be seen how Justice Merchan will rule on the prosecution's motions or whether the case will indeed be placed on the back burner as Trump prepares to take office once more. The legal intricacies involved highlight a unique intersection of American politics and judicial processes, leaving analysts pondering the implications of this unprecedented scenario.
