Trump’s Sentencing in 3 Weeks | Legal Experts Predict Further Delays

The nation’s first convicted-criminal-turned-president-elect, Donald Trump, is set to assume the White House instead of facing a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 26. Legal experts widely anticipate that the sentencing in Trump’s hush money case will not proceed as planned due to the complexities surrounding his recent election victory.

Legal Experts Weigh In: Sentencing Unlikely

Retired New York trial judge Jill Konviser confidently stated, “I think any reasonable judge wouldn’t sentence the president-elect.” Legal scholars agree that sentencing Trump, even with non-prison penalties such as probation or community service, could interfere with his presidential duties during this crucial transition period.

Options on the Table: Postponement or Cancellation?

Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump’s trial, theoretically has the option to sentence Trump and defer enforcement until after his term ends in 2029. However, Trump’s legal team is poised to argue that any courtroom appearance during this transition would disrupt the orderly transfer of power. As former prosecutor Catherine Christian predicts, “His lawyers will say he’s busy with the transition and therefore he won’t show up, and they will ask that any sentencing be adjourned until after the presidency.”

Trump’s Conviction and Legal Maneuvers

In May, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with a hush-money scheme involving Stormy Daniels during the 2016 campaign. Despite a maximum penalty of four years in prison, Trump has twice delayed his sentencing hearing. Now, with his election win, the prospects of him facing sentencing seem increasingly unlikely.

Justice Merchan is also set to rule on November 12 regarding Trump’s appeal to dismiss the conviction based on presidential immunity. Although legal experts are skeptical of Trump’s immunity argument, should Merchan rule in his favor, the sentencing issue would be rendered moot.

District Attorney’s Office Unlikely to Oppose Postponement

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, which led the prosecution, is expected to be lenient regarding any requests to cancel or delay the hearing. The office did not oppose Trump’s previous requests for postponement, suggesting that they may adopt a similar stance this time. Former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Saland remarked, “I don’t see the sentence being imposed even assuming the judge agrees that the case should proceed toward the sentencing.”

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