Prosecutors Oppose Dismissing Trump’s Hush Money Conviction, Open to Delaying Sentencing
NEW YORK (AP) — New York prosecutors are opposed to dismissing former President Donald Trump’s hush money conviction but have shown openness to delaying his sentencing until after his second term in office.
In a court filing on Tuesday, the Manhattan district attorney’s office argued that Trump’s upcoming presidency doesn’t justify dropping a case that has already been tried. However, recognizing the need to balance constitutional interests, prosecutors said they are open to postponing the case until Trump leaves office.
While prosecutors are not seeking to drop the case, they agreed to delay Trump’s sentencing, which had been scheduled for November 26, as his legal team continues to challenge the conviction.
Judge Juan M. Merchan has not yet indicated when he will make a ruling on the fate of Trump’s first criminal conviction as a former and potentially future U.S. president. As the sentencing timeline is now on hold, Trump’s lawyers are pursuing several legal avenues to have the case dismissed. Given the unprecedented nature of the case, the matter could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Trump was convicted in May for falsifying business records to cover up payments made during the 2016 election campaign to silence a story about extramarital affairs. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.
Following his recent election victory, Trump’s attorneys urged Judge Merchan to dismiss the case, arguing that it should be thrown out in the interest of a smooth transition of power and justice.
On Tuesday, prosecutors responded, stating that they are mindful of the demands of the presidency but also deeply respect the role of the jury in the justice system.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump and his incoming White House communications director, described Tuesday’s filing from prosecutors as “a total and definitive victory for President Trump,” calling the case a “witch hunt” that Trump has long criticized.
