DON'T WAIT.

We publish the objective news, period. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news:

TOP STORIES

Latest News

'Trump's Lawyers Seek Post-Election Sentencing Delay in New York Case'

 August 16, 2024
Amid the heat of the 2024 Presidential election, former President Donald Trump's legal team has pushed to postpone his sentencing on charges of falsifying business records until after the election.

Trump's attorneys argue the case interferes with the electoral process, seeking to delay sentencing originally scheduled for September, Fox News reported.

Legal Battle Intensifies Amid Presidential Race

Trump was convicted of all charges in a six-week trial overseen by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The charges were serious: falsifying business records in the first degree, to which Trump has vehemently declared his innocence and cited presidential immunity.

Originally set for July 11, just before the Republican National Convention, Trump’s sentencing was moved to September 18 by Judge Juan Merchan. However, Trump's attorney, Todd Blanche, has since requested a further delay.

Presidential Immunity Claim Challenges Court Schedule

Blanche pushes for a delay by claiming presidential immunity, referring to a U.S. Supreme Court decision in Trump v. United States, which acknowledged immunity for official acts performed while in office. However, the Supreme Court left it to lower courts to define the limits of this immunity, particularly distinguishing between official and unofficial acts.

Blanche’s request to Judge Merchan seeks not only to delay the sentencing but also to dismiss the case entirely. He argues that proceeding with sentencing could bias the upcoming election, especially given public comments from political figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz.

Allegations of Judicial Bias Surface

An allegation of potential judicial bias further complicates the legal proceedings. Blanche highlighted a conflict of interest involving Judge Merchan, whose daughter works for Authentic Campaigns, a firm associated with Democratic candidates. Blanche argues this could influence the trial's fairness.

The timing of the sentencing, scheduled after early voting begins, also sparks contention. Blanche claims maintaining the current date could directly interfere with the electoral process.

Trump's Legal Strategy and Public Statements

In a detailed letter to the court, Blanche wrote, "The Court should adjourn any sentencing in this case...until after the 2024 Presidential election." He added that delaying the sentencing would "reduce, even if not eliminate, issues regarding the integrity of any future proceedings."

Blanche also emphasized that there is no necessity to rush the sentencing, arguing that no compelling reasons exist to keep the current date. He framed this strategic delay as a way to safeguard the election's integrity from being tainted by ongoing legal disputes.

Impact of Delay on Election Dynamics

As the request for delay continues to stir debate, the implications for both Trump's presidential campaign and the broader political landscape remain significant. Some view the maneuver as an attempt to avoid electoral repercussions while focusing on a potential return to the White House.

The defense and prosecution are preparing for further legal battles as the case unfolds, with the world watching closely to see how this will impact the forthcoming election.

In conclusion, Trump's legal challenges peak as the election approaches, with his lawyers aggressively pushing for a delayed sentencing to avoid clashing with his campaign efforts. This legal maneuver occurs against a backdrop of claims of presidential immunity and alleged judicial bias, creating a complex scenario that the courts, the public, and the candidates must navigate in the coming months.