President-Elect Trump’s Sentencing Delayed Amid Election Victory
Judge Halts Sentencing to Consider Trump’s Request to Dismiss Charges
President-elect Trump’s sentencing in his New York criminal case has been delayed as his attorneys push to dismiss the prosecution following his election victory. Judge Juan Merchan, who oversees the trial proceedings, announced the adjournment in a letter Friday.
Trump’s Team Seeks Dismissal of Charges
Trump’s attorneys argue that his return to the White House compels the court to toss his 34-count felony conviction entirely. They have moved most aggressively to pull the plug on the hush money case, given that Trump’s sentencing date of November 26 was rapidly approaching.
Manhattan District Attorney Opposes Dismissal Request
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) is opposing Trump’s request, instead floating that Merchan could freeze the proceedings while Trump is in office, meaning the conviction would remain on the books but sentencing wouldn’t occur until 2029, at the earliest.
New Schedule Set
Merchan ordered Trump to file his formal motion asking for dismissal by December 2 and Bragg to respond by December 9. The judge will then decide how to proceed. The new schedule aligns with Bragg’s request, which is slower than Trump’s original request.
Impact on Other Criminal Prosecutions
Trump’s imminent return to the White House has already pumped the brakes on his other criminal prosecutions. Courts have agreed to special counsel Jack Smith’s requests to halt his federal election subversion case and his appeal seeking to revive his documents case as prosecutors assess how to wind down the cases.
Conclusion
The delay in Trump’s sentencing is a significant development in the case, as it allows Trump’s team to push for dismissal of the charges. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Trump’s presidency and his legacy.
FAQs
Q: What is the nature of Trump’s criminal case?
A: Trump is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money deal his ex-fixer made with a porn actor ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Q: What is Trump’s defense strategy?
A: Trump’s defense strategy has long rested on delaying until after the election. He successfully staved off trial in his other three criminal prosecutions, and in the only case that did reach a verdict, the New York hush money case, he successfully pushed the sentencing until after voters headed to the ballot box.
Q: What is the potential impact of Trump’s conviction on his presidency?
A: If the conviction stands, Trump would become the first person to assume the nation’s highest office with a criminal record.
