Trump’s lawyers ask judge to halt Friday’s hush money case sentencing while they appeal to block it

Key Takeaways:

• Trump’s Legal Team Appeals to Halt Sentencing
• Judge Merchan Rejects Bid to Dismiss Verdict
• Potential Unconditional Discharge Suggested
• Historic Felony Conviction for a President-Elect
• Case Centers on Hush Money Payment to Stormy Daniels

Trump’s Legal Team Appeals to Halt Sentencing

President-elect Donald Trump’s attorneys have asked a judge to postpone this week’s sentencing in his hush money case while they appeal a ruling that upheld his conviction. Trump’s legal team plans to request that a state appeals court reverse Judge Juan M. Merchan’s decision, which set the sentencing for Friday.

“Our appeal should trigger an automatic stay in the proceedings,” Trump’s lawyers argued. “If that doesn’t happen, we request Judge Merchan grant a pause and prevent sentencing as scheduled.”

Judge Merchan’s Ruling and Potential Unconditional Discharge

Last week, Judge Merchan rejected Trump’s bid to overturn the verdict and dismiss the indictment, despite Trump’s impending return to the White House. In his January 3 ruling, Merchan indicated he is unlikely to impose any punishment for Trump’s historic conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

The judge stated that “bringing finality to this matter” by proceeding with sentencing would serve the interests of justice. He suggested that sentencing Trump to an unconditional discharge—closing the case without jail time, a fine, or probation—”appears to be the most viable solution.”

Historic Implications of the Conviction

Trump is set to become the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes. In a social media post, he remarked that it “would be the end of the Presidency as we know it” if the judge’s ruling upholding the May 30 verdict stands.

Despite the conviction, Trump maintains his innocence and has vowed to appeal the verdict once sentenced. He will have the opportunity to speak at his sentencing, as will his lawyers and prosecutors.

The Hush Money Case Explained

The charges against Trump involve an alleged scheme to conceal a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign. The payment was intended to prevent Daniels from publicizing claims of an affair with Trump years earlier—a claim he denies.

The case focused on how Trump accounted for reimbursing his then-personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, who made the payment to Daniels. The conviction carried the possibility of punishment ranging from a fine or probation to up to four years in prison.

Reactions from Key Figures

Michael Cohen, a key prosecution witness who previously called for Trump to be imprisoned, commented on the judge’s potential decision. “Based upon all of the intervening circumstances, Judge Merchan’s decision to sentence Trump without punishment is both judicious and appropriate,” Cohen said.

Delays and Future Proceedings

Trump’s sentencing was initially scheduled for July 11 but was postponed twice at the defense’s request. Following his election on November 5, Judge Merchan delayed sentencing again to allow both the defense and prosecution to consider the case’s future.

As sentencing approaches, the legal battle continues to unfold, leaving the nation watching closely. The outcome may set significant legal precedents and impact Trump’s impending presidency.