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Judge Postpones Trump’s Sentencing as President-Elect Navigates Legal Challenges
A New York state judge has postponed President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing date for 34 felony convictions indefinitely, following a jury’s ruling in May. Judge Juan Merchan issued the delay on Friday after the New York District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, indicated he would not contest Trump’s request to suspend the criminal proceedings during his upcoming presidential term. This unprecedented situation is marked by Trump being the first convict to win a presidential election, raising questions about the legal implications for sitting presidents, who have traditionally been shielded from criminal prosecution.
The request for a delay was officially made on November 12 by Trump’s legal team, as Bragg’s office assessed how to proceed post-election. Merchan has granted the defense team permission to file a motion to dismiss the charges, setting a December 2 deadline for Trump’s argument and a December 9 deadline for the state’s response. Bragg has stated he intends to oppose Trump’s dismissal motion.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels, allegedly to conceal an affair—claims which Trump denies. Each of the 34 felony counts carries a potential sentence of up to four years in state prison. This case is part of four ongoing prosecutions against Trump and is the only one to reach trial since he departed from office nearly four years ago.
Meanwhile, Special Counsel Jack Smith is concluding two federal cases against Trump, adhering to longstanding Justice Department policy of not prosecuting sitting presidents, and is reportedly planning to resign shortly before Trump’s inauguration. As the legal landscape unfolds, the implications of Trump’s presidency on these legal matters remain to be seen.
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Photo credit iowacapitaldispatch.com
