Trump’s New York criminal sentencing postponed until after election by judge
Former President Donald Trump’s sentencing date in his criminal case has been postponed once again by a New York judge, giving Trump the opportunity to await his fate after the election following his conviction in the “hush money” case.
The initial sentencing date was set for Sept. 18, but on Aug. 14, Trump’s attorneys requested a postponement until after the presidential election. They argued that a delay is crucial to address ongoing legal challenges to his conviction.
Justice Juan Merchan granted the request and ordered the sentencing to be delayed until Nov. 26. In his order, Merchan emphasized the importance of ensuring that the court’s decision is not influenced by electoral considerations involving Trump as a candidate.
Merchan stated, “The Court is a fair, impartial, and apolitical institution,” and assured that the postponement aims to eliminate any perception of bias toward any political party or candidate.
Trump was found guilty in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by a unanimous jury. Prosecutors alleged that Trump was involved in a scheme to conceal reimbursements to a lawyer who made a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels as hush money just before the 2016 election. Trump, however, denied the allegations and entered a plea of not guilty.
When it comes to determining Trump’s sentence, Merchan has broad discretion. Though the charges carry a maximum four-year jail term, Merchan could opt for non-custodial sentences like probation. Most legal analysts anticipate that Trump will avoid imprisonment due to his lack of prior convictions and outcomes of similar cases.
Initially, Trump was slated for sentencing on July 11, but this date was rescheduled after Trump filed a motion post a significant Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity. The verdict on Trump’s motion is expected on Sept. 16.
In their plea for a delay, Trump’s attorneys argued that postponing the sentencing after the commencement of early voting in the presidential election would be inappropriate. They also highlighted the necessity of allowing ongoing legal challenges related to the conviction.
Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, however, refrained from advocating for or against further postponement, leaving the decision to the court.
Trump has attempted multiple times to delay the proceedings, including seeking federal jurisdiction twice, which was declined by a federal judge. The judge stated that the “hush money” case pertains to Trump’s personal affairs and does not fall under his official acts as president.
On the same day, Trump attended a hearing near the Manhattan criminal court, where his appeal regarding a 2023 civil judgment, involving allegations of sexual abuse and defamation by writer E. Jean Carroll, was being discussed.
Denied all charges in the mentioned cases as well as three other criminal cases, two regarding the 2020 election overturn and one dismissed lawsuit for taking confidential White House documents post-presidency, Trump’s legal battles continue.
