ABC News - Trump asks judge to halt sentencing in his criminal hush money case
Donald Trump is trying to block his sentencing in a criminal case where he was convicted of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. The judge has ordered Trump to appear for sentencing, which is set for just before the presidential inauguration. The judge plans to sentence Trump to an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail time, probation, or fine, but the conviction would remain on his record. Trump's legal team argues that presidential immunity should apply, but the judge and the Manhattan District Attorney's office disagree, stating that immunity does not apply in this case. The judge criticized Trump's disrespect for the judicial system and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Key Points:
- Trump seeks to delay sentencing in a criminal case involving falsifying business records.
- The judge plans an unconditional discharge, leaving the conviction on Trump's record.
- Trump's team argues for presidential immunity, but the judge disagrees.
- The Manhattan DA supports moving forward with the sentencing.
- The judge criticized Trump's disrespect for the judicial system.
Details:
1. 🔍 Trump's Sentencing Pushback
1.1. Current Legal Proceedings
1.2. Background and Case Details
2. ⚖️ Judge's Unconditional Discharge Plan
- Judge Marshan plans to sentence Trump to an unconditional discharge, a decision Trump is trying to block.
- Trump argues that Judge Marshan lacks authority for sentencing due to ongoing appeals concerning presidential immunity.
- Trump's legal team is appealing a ruling that presidential immunity does not apply to the New York hush money case.
- The sentencing is scheduled for a Friday, 10 days before the date of the segment.
3. 📜 Trump's Legal Challenges to Sentencing
- Judge Mhan suggested that Trump might receive an unconditional discharge—no jail time, probation, or fine—but the conviction would remain on his record.
- This outcome would make Trump the first president to enter office as a convicted felon, a record he is keen to avoid.
- Trump's criticism of the decision included calls for Judge Mhan's disbarment, while his spokesperson deemed the situation a 'Witch Hunt.'
- An unconditional discharge means Trump would not face immediate punitive measures, but the conviction could have significant future legal and political ramifications.
- The legal proceedings leading to this point involved lengthy investigations and substantial public and political scrutiny.
4. 🛡️ Presidential Immunity Controversy
- Judge Maran dismisses Trump's appeal attempt, affirming that presidential immunity is not applicable in the New York hush money case.
- Maran argues that overturning the jury's verdict would severely undermine the rule of law.
- The Manhattan District Attorney's office supports proceeding with the sentencing on January 10th, emphasizing the court's extensive accommodations for Trump's presidential immunity claims.
- Trump is given the option to appear in person for the proceedings.
- The ruling sets a precedent that presidential immunity cannot be used as a blanket defense in criminal proceedings, potentially influencing future cases.
- Legal experts note the importance of this decision in reinforcing the accountability of elected officials.
- The case stems from allegations of hush money payments made during Trump's presidential campaign, highlighting the intersection of campaign finance and legal accountability.