Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has recently requested a delay in his sentencing date for his criminal hush money case until after the upcoming presidential election. The lawyers argued that postponing the sentencing would help in maintaining the integrity of any future proceedings and prevent any potential interference in the election. This move comes following Trump’s guilty verdict in his criminal trial over charges related to concealing hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016.
Delay Requested for Post-Election Strategy
The request for a delay in Trump’s sentencing was made in a letter obtained by NBC News, where his legal team highlighted the importance of pushing back the sentencing date to avoid any potential issues that could arise due to the timing of the election. The attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, emphasized that there was no valid reason for the current sentencing schedule to be adhered to, other than potential election interference objectives.
In the letter, the legal team stated, “There is no basis for continuing to rush. Accordingly, we respectfully request that any sentencing, if one is needed, be adjourned until after the Presidential election.” Trump is currently scheduled to be sentenced on September 18, just seven weeks before Election Day.
Background of the Hush Money Case
The hush money case against Trump stems from allegations that he falsified business records to conceal payments made to Stormy Daniels, a porn star, in an effort to silence her about an alleged affair prior to the 2016 presidential election. The case gained significant attention and led to a guilty verdict on 34 counts related to the falsification of business records.
The guilty verdict was originally set to be followed by a sentencing date on July 11, but was postponed by Judge Juan Merchan following a ruling by the Supreme Court. The ruling stated that former presidents are entitled to “presumptive immunity” from prosecution for official acts performed while in office. This ruling prompted Trump’s legal team to file a motion seeking to vacate the hush money verdict, which is still pending a decision from Judge Merchan.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office declined to comment on the latest request for a delay in Trump’s sentencing, indicating that the case remains ongoing with potential developments expected in the near future.
Implications of the Delay
The request for a delay in Trump’s sentencing until after the presidential election raises questions about the potential impact on his campaign and the election itself. By pushing back the sentencing date, Trump’s legal team may be attempting to avoid any negative consequences that could arise from a sentencing ruling so close to Election Day.
Additionally, the delay could allow Trump more time to focus on his campaign efforts without the distraction of a looming sentencing date. It may also provide an opportunity for his legal team to further strategize and potentially seek a more favorable outcome in the case.
However, the request for a delay could also face scrutiny from critics who view it as an attempt to manipulate the legal system for political gain. The timing of the request, coming just weeks before the election, raises concerns about the potential impact on the integrity of the judicial process and the fairness of the proceedings.
As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the request for a delay will be received by the court and the public. The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for both Trump’s legal standing and his presidential campaign moving forward.