Former President’s last-minute plea aims to delay sentencing in criminal case.
Former President Donald J. Trump is attempting to transfer his Manhattan criminal case to federal court, a move made three months after his conviction in state court. This unusual request is part of Mr. Trump’s ongoing efforts to delay his sentencing in a hush-money trial where he was found guilty of falsifying records to conceal a sex scandal. His sentencing is set for September 18, just weeks before the upcoming election where he will compete against Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency.
In the filing, Mr. Trump’s lawyers, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, argued that the current proceedings are causing direct and irreparable harm to Mr. Trump, who is a leading candidate in the 2024 presidential election, and to voters beyond Manhattan. This move comes as the Trump legal team is also awaiting a decision on a separate request to postpone the sentencing, adding a new layer of complexity to the case.
On August 15, Mr. Trump’s legal team requested the state court judge, Juan M. Merchan, to postpone the sentencing until after the election. The lawyers cited the need for more time to challenge the conviction based on a recent Supreme Court ruling that provides presidents with broad immunity for official acts. This multi-pronged approach reflects Mr. Trump’s determination to avoid immediate consequences in his criminal case.
The legal maneuvering by Mr. Trump’s team underscores the high stakes involved in his criminal trial and the potential impact on his political future. By seeking to move the case to federal court and delay the sentencing, Mr. Trump is attempting to buy more time to challenge the conviction and protect his standing as a presidential candidate. The outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications for both Mr. Trump’s legal troubles and his electoral prospects.
As the sentencing date approaches, all eyes will be on the courtroom drama unfolding in Manhattan and the legal strategies employed by Mr. Trump’s defense team. The twists and turns in this high-profile case are sure to capture the attention of the public and shape the narrative surrounding Mr. Trump’s political ambitions.
Source: The NY Times
