A New York judge has postponed Donald Trump’s sentencing to September while his lawyers contest his conviction in light of a recent Supreme Court decision.
Originally set for July 11, Trump’s sentencing is now on hold after his legal team requested that his hush-money case conviction be overturned. This move follows the Supreme Court's ruling that former presidents have partial immunity for “official” acts conducted during their tenure.
Judge Juan Merchan stated he would decide on the motions by September 6. Should sentencing be necessary, it will occur on September 18.
In May, Trump was found guilty by a New York jury on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, marking him as the first former president ever convicted of a felony. The case involved Trump reimbursing Michael Cohen for hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels, which was disguised as legal expenses. This payment was made just before the 2016 election to cover up an alleged affair.
This case is the first of four criminal cases against Trump to reach trial.
Following the ruling, Trump posted on Truth Social, claiming the delay signaled his “TOTAL EXONERATION!” and the end of “witch hunts” against him. However, the delay only pauses proceedings until a final determination is made.
The Supreme Court's recent ruling grants former presidents immunity for “official acts,” prompting Trump’s legal team to seek a reversal of his conviction. They argue that some events and evidence in the case occurred while Trump was in office.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting Trump, labeled the argument “without merit” but requested until July 24 to respond.
Legal experts suggest Trump faces an uphill battle with this defense. Mark Zauderer, a New York appellate attorney, noted that the fraud case pertains to unofficial conduct by Trump, unrelated to his official duties. Constitutional law scholar Philip Bobbitt echoed this sentiment, expressing doubt that Trump’s actions could be seen as “official” presidential acts.
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