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Jimmy Williams
The judge in Donald Trump’s New York criminal trial approved a delay of the former president’s sentencing after his lawyers requested more time to review the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s immunity decision.
Trump’s lawyers have indicated that they want Judge Juan Merchan to dismiss Trump’s felony conviction on 34 counts of falsified business records related to hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The hearing, initially set for July 11, will now be delayed until at least September 18.
Trump’s team sent a letter to Merchan on Monday, asking to brief him on the Supreme Court’s ruling from the same day, which stated that the former president has some immunity from prosecution for “official” acts as president. While the ruling impacted prosecutors in Trump’s federal election interference case, its effect on the other criminal cases against him remains uncertain.
Merchan approved the delay in a letter to both Trump’s lawyers and prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He also announced that he would issue a ruling related to the immunity decision on September 6.
Prosecutors did not oppose the delay. This ensures Trump will not be sentenced until after he is formally nominated for president at the Republican National Convention, which begins July 15.
Of Trump’s efforts to overturn the verdict, the prosecutors stated, “Although we believe defendant’s arguments to be without merit, we do not oppose his request for leave to file and his putative request to adjourn sentencing pending determination of his motion.”
Trump is facing a range of potential sentences, including prison time, probation, and a fine. Bragg, who brought the case against Trump, has not yet indicated what kind of sentence he will seek.
