Former U.S. President Donald Trump is facing legal challenges as his attorneys attempt to block his scheduled sentencing in a New York criminal hush money case. This motion was presented to Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, seeking to appeal a ruling that denied the dismissal of the case. Trump’s legal team argues that the appeal should pause the sentencing, which is set for Friday, and requests an immediate stay if the judge declines. Trump was convicted earlier this year on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election.
Judge Merchan indicated he may not impose jail time and suggested a sentence that might exclude probation or fines. He dismissed claims that the charges should be dropped based on a U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding presidential immunity. Trump’s spokesman labeled the proceedings a “Witch Hunt” and called for the case to be dismissed based on various legal precedents. Despite these legal issues, Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second non-consecutive term on January 20.
