A judge in New York denied President-elect Donald Trump’s request to postpone a sentencing hearing in his criminal case in New York, which is set for Friday, just 10 days before his inauguration. Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to cancel the hearing and halt any further deadlines until his appeals on immunity issues are resolved. However, the judge rejected this request, stating that the arguments presented were repetitive and had been raised before.
The judge had previously denied Trump’s attempt to dismiss the case and ordered the sentencing on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to proceed before the inauguration. Trump’s legal team filed an appeal seeking a later hearing date after the inauguration, citing legal precedent and the state constitution of New York.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office opposed the delay, arguing that Trump had repeatedly requested adjournments, causing the delays himself. They emphasized that the current timing for sentencing is the least burdensome for Trump and that there are no obstacles to completing the proceeding swiftly.
The judge had indicated that Trump is unlikely to be incarcerated and would likely receive an unconditional discharge as his sentence. Trump was convicted in May for falsifying records related to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The sentencing was initially scheduled for July but was postponed at Trump’s request following a Supreme Court ruling regarding presidential immunity.
In a pair of rulings over the last month, Judge Merchan determined that the Supreme Court’s decision did not impact former President Trump’s conviction in the criminal case. The judge’s ruling on Friday stated that Trump had the option to attend the sentencing either in person or virtually, and requested his legal team to provide their decision by Sunday. It remains unclear whether the attorneys responded or submitted their filing in response.
In a filing made by the District Attorney on Monday, it was indicated that Trump had opted to appear virtually for the sentencing, although the source of this information was not specified.
