President-elect Trump Seeks Delay in Hush Money Case Sentencing

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump asked a judge Monday to halt this week’s sentencing in his hush money case while they appeal his recent rulings upholding the verdict.

Legal Battle Over Sentencing

Trump’s lawyers said they plan to ask a state appeals court to reverse Judge Juan M. Merchan’s decision last week, which set the case for sentencing on Friday — little over a week before he’s sworn in for his second term.

Presidential Immunity Claims

In a pair of rulings in recent weeks, Merchan rejected Trump’s bid to throw out the verdict and dismiss the indictment on presidential immunity grounds and because of his impending return to the White House.

Trump's Legal Strategy

Trump’s lawyers argued in court papers Monday that their planned appeal to the Appellate Division of the state’s trial court triggers what’s known as an automatic stay, or pause, in the proceedings. If that doesn’t happen, they argued, Merchan should then grant a pause and prevent sentencing from happening on Friday as scheduled.

Appeal and Sentencing Options

Once he is sentenced, Trump can appeal the verdict, as he has vowed to do. The judge has indicated that sentencing Trump to an unconditional discharge may be the most viable solution.

Historic Conviction and Consequences

Trump is on course to be the first president to take office convicted of felony crimes. The charges involved an alleged scheme to hide a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels in the last weeks of Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Cohen's Testimony

Michael Cohen, a key prosecution witness, supported the judge's decision to sentence Trump without punishment, calling it judicious and appropriate.

Future Legal Proceedings

Trump’s sentencing was initially set for last July 11, then postponed twice at the defense’s request. After Trump’s Nov. 5 election, Merchan delayed the sentencing again so the defense and prosecution could weigh in on the future of the case.