Judge Denies Donald Trump's Request to Delay Sentencing in Hush Money Case

A New York judge has rejected US President-elect Donald Trump's request to postpone his sentencing in the hush money case, set to take place later this week.

Sentencing to Proceed on Schedule

Judge Juan Merchan ruled against delaying Friday's sentencing, despite Trump's attorneys arguing that his recent presidential election victory should halt the case. The judge cited repeated arguments from Trump's legal team and noted that prosecutors opposed any delays.

Merchan stated in his decision, "Defendant's motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED."

Trump has the option of appearing in person or virtually at the sentencing, and the judge indicated he is unlikely to impose jail time on the president-elect.

Conviction Background

Trump was convicted in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records. The charges stem from a hush money payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign to prevent her from revealing an alleged 2006 affair.

Legal Motions and Presidential Immunity

Trump's attorneys sought to dismiss the case, citing the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling granting former presidents immunity from prosecution for certain official acts. However, Judge Merchan rejected these motions last week, affirming that the sentencing would proceed.

Merchan noted that once Trump is sworn in as president on January 20, he will gain immunity from prosecution, but this would not impact the current case.

Likely Sentencing Outcome

Legal experts anticipate an unconditional discharge for Trump, allowing him to avoid jail time or any conditions tied to his sentence. Despite the conviction, Trump is set to enter the White House as a felon, an unprecedented situation in US history.

At 78, Trump faced a potential sentence of up to four years in prison, though incarceration was widely deemed unlikely even before his election victory.

 

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