A New York judge has once again delayed sentencing for Donald Trump in his historic criminal case, as legal battles over his conviction continue. Trump, who was found guilty in May of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, had initially been scheduled for sentencing on November 26, just weeks before his upcoming presidential inauguration.
The former president’s legal team is fighting to have the conviction overturned, citing presidential immunity and arguing that sentencing would interfere with his duties as president. The Manhattan district attorney, who prosecuted the case, is advocating for sentencing but has suggested it could be postponed until Trump’s second term ends.
On Friday, Justice Juan Merchan halted all proceedings, requesting further arguments from both sides in December. Trump’s team has called the delay a victory as the court faces increasing pressure to resolve the matter before Trump’s January inauguration.
The case stems from Trump’s efforts to disguise payments reimbursing his personal lawyer, who made a hush-money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Prosecutors argued that the payment, made just days before the 2016 election, constituted election interference by preventing damaging allegations from reaching voters. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the case is politically motivated and maintaining that he never had a sexual encounter with Daniels.
“This is a significant victory for President Trump,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “The baseless Manhattan case is now fully paused, and sentencing has been adjourned.”
Since Trump’s reelection on November 5, his attorneys have intensified efforts to dismiss the conviction. They argue that the U.S. Constitution and the Presidential Transition Act shield Trump from prosecution during his presidency. The legal debate has been further complicated by a July Supreme Court ruling affirming that presidents are immune from criminal prosecution for certain official acts.
Trump’s legal team, led by Todd Blanche, has called for an immediate dismissal of the case, asserting that presidential immunity should apply. The Manhattan district attorney has pushed back, opposing the dismissal but acknowledging the constitutional complexities. He also suggested the court could defer sentencing until the end of Trump’s presidency in 2029.
Justice Merchan has ordered Trump’s lawyers to submit their full arguments for dismissal by December 2. Prosecutors are required to file their response by December 9, with the court refusing to accept any further briefs after these deadlines.
As the clock ticks closer to Trump’s inauguration, the resolution of the case remains uncertain, with constitutional questions taking center stage.
SOURCE: BBC
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