President-elect Donald Trump lost his bid to delay sentencing for his criminal conviction over hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. His lawyers argued Monday that presidential immunity and inauguration demands justified a postponement, but Justice Juan Merchan rejected the motion.
Merchan dismissed Trump’s claims as repetitive and confirmed the Friday sentencing date. The judge noted he was unlikely to impose jail time, suggesting instead an unconditional discharge, which records guilt without penalties. Trump, 78, may attend the hearing in person or virtually.
Trump’s legal team sought a delay to let appeals play out, aiming to push sentencing beyond his January 20 inauguration. Prosecutors countered, emphasizing the public interest in prompt prosecution and finality.
The case centers on a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump denies the alleged affair. A jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to conceal the payment.
This conviction marked Trump as the first U.S. president, sitting or former, to be convicted of a crime. Trump’s lawyers had twice failed to overturn the verdict, with Merchan rejecting arguments based on presidential immunity. The judge ruled the case concerned Trump’s personal conduct, not official acts.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg dismissed Trump’s claims of political bias, stating similar charges are routine. Trump argues the case was intended to damage his reelection bid. Despite appeals and immunity arguments, Merchan upheld the jury’s decision, asserting it aligned with the rule of law.
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