Jan 8, 2025, 10:42 PM
Jan 6, 2025, 12:00 AM

Trump demands delay in hush money sentencing amid immunity claims

Highlights
  • Attorneys for Donald Trump requested a delay in his sentencing due to ongoing appeals concerning his presidential immunity.
  • The sentencing is related to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records involving hush money payments to Stormy Daniels.
  • Judge Juan Merchan had scheduled the sentencing for January 10, 2025, but Trump's lawyers argue it should be put on hold until appeals are resolved.
Story

On January 6, 2025, in New York, attorneys for President-elect Donald Trump filed a motion to delay his sentencing in a criminal case concerning hush money payments made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels. Trump was convicted in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to efforts to conceal this payment to prevent Daniels from discussing an alleged affair before the 2016 election. Trump's legal team argues that the sentencing, originally scheduled for January 10, 2025, should be postponed until ongoing appeals regarding presidential immunity are resolved. They contend that since questions of immunity remain subject to appellate review, the court does not have the authority to proceed with sentencing at this time. Trump's arguments are centered on a previous Supreme Court ruling regarding the scope of presidential immunity, asserting that he should be granted protection from prosecution for actions taken prior to his presidency. The motion aims to suspend all deadlines associated with the case until the appeals are final, claiming the case should never have been brought forward. Judge Juan Merchan has already confirmed that regardless of the outcome, Trump will not face jail time. This case is critically significant as it marks a continuing legal battle for Trump, shortly before his second inauguration, and in light of his conviction and ongoing public scrutiny. Trump’s lawyers seek clarity from the court regarding whether the sentencing will still occur, given these pending appeals. The implications of this case affect not just Trump personally but are seen as part of a broader context where legal and political challenges intersect as he seeks to reclaim the presidency.

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