Former President Donald Trump has requested a delay in his sentencing in his New York hush money criminal case until after the November presidential election. His lawyers argue that sentencing him just weeks before the election could amount to election interference. They also suggest that delaying the sentencing would give Trump time to consider his options after a ruling expected from the trial judge on whether to dismiss the case due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s July ruling on presidential immunity.
The defense attorneys for Trump wrote a letter to Judge Juan M. Merchan asking for the delay, citing concerns about the judge’s potential conflict of interest due to his daughter’s work as a Democratic political consultant. They argue that the delay would help avoid any issues regarding the integrity of the proceedings, especially with Election Day approaching. Merchan, who has maintained his impartiality in the case, has not yet ruled on the request for a delay in sentencing.
Trump was found guilty in May of falsifying business records to cover up a payment made to Stormy Daniels in 2016 to keep her allegations of a previous sexual encounter with him quiet during his first presidential campaign. He denies the allegations and claims the case is politically motivated. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, which prosecuted the case, has not commented on the delay request. If sentenced, Trump could face up to four years in prison or other penalties.
The defense argues that the quick turnaround from the expected immunity ruling on September 16 to the scheduled sentencing on September 18 is unfair to Trump. They emphasize the need for adequate time to prepare for potential appeals if the case is not dismissed. The Supreme Court’s immunity ruling restricts prosecutions of former presidents for official acts and the use of such acts as evidence of other unlawful actions, which Trump’s lawyers argue could have influenced the jury in the hush money case.
Despite the impending sentencing, Trump has vowed to appeal the verdict. However, the appeal process cannot begin until after he is sentenced. The defense has urged Merchan to postpone the sentencing to allow time for further legal proceedings. The Judge has not indicated when a decision on the delay request will be made. The delay would also allow Trump to focus on his presidential campaign leading up to the election in November, as he continues to be the Republican nominee.
