In a significant legal development, Judge Juan Merchan has indefinitely delayed sentencing in former President Donald Trump’s criminal case involving alleged hush money payments. The decision, handed down on Friday, represents a critical legal victory for Trump as he prepares to assume the presidency once again following his election win.
Earlier this year, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts stemming from accusations that he fraudulently altered business records to conceal a payment made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was allegedly intended to suppress news of an extramarital affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
Prosecutors argued that Trump’s actions were calculated to avoid a scandal that could have jeopardized his initial bid for the White House. After being convicted in May 2024, Trump had been scheduled for sentencing on November 26, 2024. However, his legal team mounted a vigorous campaign to delay any sentencing until after his inauguration in January 2025, citing legal precedents and executive immunity.
In a written order, Judge Merchan granted a stay of sentencing, effectively postponing any final judgment in the case. “It is… ordered that the joint application for a stay of sentencing is granted to the extent that the November 26, 2024 date is adjourned,” the judge stated.
This ruling provides Trump with breathing room as his legal team pursues avenues to dismiss the conviction. The court also granted Trump permission to file a motion to vacate the charges entirely, potentially initiating a series of hearings that could stretch into his next presidential term.
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A cornerstone of Trump’s defense rests on a Supreme Court ruling that grants sitting presidents sweeping immunity from prosecution for official acts committed while in office. Trump’s legal team argues that this principle should also extend to shield him from prosecution in state-level cases during his presidency.
While this interpretation has been hotly contested, the defense believes the landmark Supreme Court decision bolsters their efforts to delay and potentially nullify Trump’s conviction.
Prosecutors have opposed Trump’s efforts to have the case dismissed, emphasizing the gravity of the jury’s unanimous verdict. They argue that the conviction should not be disregarded due to Trump’s return to public office.
“These are unprecedented circumstances,” acknowledged Manhattan prosecutors in court filings. They urged the judge to weigh the public interest in upholding the jury’s decision against the complexities posed by Trump’s re-election.
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The hush money case is just one legal battle facing Trump. He remains entangled in two major federal cases: 2020 Election Interference – A case led by Special Counsel Jack Smith investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential results and Classified Documents Case – A case involving alleged mishandling of sensitive government documents post-presidency.
While Trump-appointed federal judges have dismissed portions of these cases, they remain active. However, as president, Trump would wield significant power to influence the outcome of federal investigations, potentially even terminating them.
Special Counsel Jack Smith, tasked with overseeing both federal cases, has reportedly begun scaling back deadlines and slowing the pace of proceedings, adhering to the Department of Justice’s long-standing policy of refraining from prosecuting sitting presidents.
True to form, Trump has fiercely criticized the hush money case, calling it a politically motivated “witch hunt.” He has maintained that the charges should be dismissed outright, echoing sentiments previously expressed by his former Attorney General, Bill Barr.
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“These cases have plainly been brought for political purposes,” Barr stated, adding that they “have now been extensively aired and rejected in the court of public opinion.”
Despite the legal challenges, Trump’s standing with his supporters remains steadfast, with many viewing the cases as politically motivated attempts to undermine his presidency.
As Trump prepares for his second term, his legal entanglements raise significant questions about the intersection of law and executive power. With his legal team poised to file motions to dismiss his conviction and federal cases slowing down, Trump’s ability to leverage his presidential authority could reshape the trajectory of these proceedings.
For now, the indefinite delay in sentencing marks a turning point, giving Trump a reprieve from immediate legal consequences. Whether the conviction is overturned or upheld, the road ahead promises to be a complex and contentious chapter in American legal and political history.