A New York judge denied President-elect Donald Trump’s request to postpone a sentencing hearing in his New York criminal case scheduled for Friday, just 10 days before his inauguration. Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to cancel the hearing and suspend all deadlines in the case until his immunity appeals were resolved, but the judge rejected this argument, stating it was a repetition of previously raised points. 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 is appealing these decisions to the state Appellate Division, seeking a hearing date after his inauguration. In response, a spokesperson for Trump called the planned sentencing “unlawful.” The Manhattan District Attorney’s office opposed the delay, noting that the sentencing was happening at Trump’s request and that it was the least burdensome time for him to be sentenced. The judge indicated that Trump was likely to receive an unconditional discharge, remaining a convicted felon without further punishment. Trump was convicted in May of falsifying records related to hush money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels.
In a pair of rulings issued over the last month, Judge Merchan determined that the Supreme Court decision did not impact former President Donald Trump’s conviction in the ongoing criminal case against him. Providing further guidance, the judge’s ruling on Friday stated that Trump had the option to attend his sentencing either in person or virtually, and directed Trump’s legal team to communicate their decision by the upcoming Sunday deadline. As of now, it remains unclear whether Trump’s attorneys have responded to this directive.
Subsequently, the District Attorney’s filing on Monday indicated that Trump had opted to participate in the sentencing proceedings virtually. However, the document did not specify the origin of this decision, leaving some details surrounding Trump’s choice unanswered.
