As Congress certifies Trump's election win, his legal team requests to delay sentencing related to hush money conviction, arguing immunity from charges while appealing.

Trump's Legal Strategy to Delay Sentencing

Trump's legal team is actively seeking a delay in the sentencing related to his hush money case. They are arguing for immunity on two fronts, claiming that evidence against him was linked to his presidential actions. Such claims have been previously dismissed by the presiding judge, prompting Trump's request to stay all proceedings until his appeal is heard, including the scheduled sentencing.

Implications of the Sentencing

The upcoming sentencing is significant, as it officially recognizes Trump as a convicted felon. While the judge has indicated there will be no prison time or probation, the conviction will be formalized through a judgment. This document will carry weight in Trump’s political future and public perception, underscoring the importance of the proceedings this Friday.

Potential Outcomes of the Hearing

If the judge denies Trump's request to postpone sentencing, the legal battle may escalate to the appeals court. This could extend the legal uncertainties surrounding Trump's status and lead to procedural complications. The legal team's strategy hinges on the timing of these appeals as they seek to navigate the aftermath of his conviction.

As Congress convenes to certify President-Elect Trump's election victory, significant developments regarding his hush money conviction are unfolding. Trump's legal team is actively requesting a delay in the scheduled sentencing, which is set for this coming Friday. This request follows Judge Bhushan's rejection of his team's attempts to overturn the conviction. The basis of Trump's legal argument for this postponement rests on claims of immunity connected to his status as president-elect and his previous presidential duties. In particular, Trump asserts that evidence presented in the trial pertains to actions taken during his presidency, which he believes grants him immunity and thus warrants a new trial. However, legal analysts note that Judge Merchan has already dismissed these immunity claims. Trump's recent motion asserts that while he seeks to appeal this rejection, all subsequent legal proceedings, including his upcoming sentencing, should be paused. The opposition, notably from the district attorney's office, will likely argue that the trial has concluded, and the focus now is solely on sentencing. They assert that there is minimal risk in proceeding with the sentencing, which is expected to be a brief occurrence via Zoom. This impending sentencing does not involve prison time but rather a formal declaration of his status as a convicted felon. The judge has indicated a willingness to conduct the session remotely, which, while uncommon, accommodates Trump's position. The outcome of Friday's hearing is crucial, as it will culminate in the issuance of a judgment of conviction, permanently marking Trump's legal record. If Judge Merchan denies the request for delay, Trump's legal team is likely to escalate the matter to an appeals court, leading to further back-and-forth discussions on this complex legal issue until the sentencing date arrives.