Donald Trump’s legal team is pushing for a delay in the sentencing date for his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records. The sentencing is currently scheduled for September 18, just two days after a New York judge is expected to make a critical decision related to presidential immunity that could impact Trump’s conviction.
Trump’s lawyers argue that the tight timeline between the September 16 ruling on immunity and the scheduled sentencing date is unfair. They claim it doesn’t provide enough time to explore legal options if the decision goes against Trump. The case centers on hush money payments made to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, aimed at preventing a potential scandal.
Originally, Trump was set to be sentenced on July 11, but the date was moved to allow time for his legal team to challenge the conviction. They argue that evidence used against Trump should be excluded because it pertains to his official actions as president, which they believe should be protected under presidential immunity.
Trump’s attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, voiced concerns that the prosecution might release a harmful sentencing recommendation right around the time the immunity decision is announced. They argue that rushing the process could lead to significant issues, especially if there’s a chance the conviction might be overturned.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, has declined to comment on the matter.
The case against Trump revolves around efforts to cover up a $130,000 payment to Daniels to keep her quiet about an alleged affair with Trump in 2006. The payment was made as Trump’s 2016 campaign was dealing with other scandals. Trump denies any affair with Daniels.
Trump’s legal team insists that much of the prosecution’s evidence should be dismissed based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that redefined the scope of presidential immunity. They argue that if certain documents and testimonies are excluded, the case against Trump may no longer hold.
The lawyers also drew attention to a separate case in Washington, D.C., where Trump is facing charges related to election obstruction. In that case, the judge is taking a slower approach, waiting until September 5 to set a timeline for new motions, effectively pushing the trial past the upcoming election.
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Trump’s legal team argues that there’s no legitimate reason to rush the sentencing process in this New York case, especially given the potential for serious legal complications.
