Prosecutors are advising a judge on the potential permanence of Donald Trump’s criminal conviction concerning hush money payments. They’re suggesting options that could retain the verdict while forestalling any immediate legal consequences.
In recently disclosed court documents, the Manhattan district attorney’s office has outlined several strategies to maintain the historic conviction of Donald Trump. They recommend considering the case akin to circumstances where a defendant passes away. This approach would effectively pause all proceedings, leaving the conviction intact but suspending any further legal actions, including appeals. However, the feasibility of this unique proposal under New York law remains uncertain.
Prosecutors stress the importance of upholding the conviction, asserting that Trump’s upcoming return to the presidency should not invalidate the jury’s decision. They proposed delaying any sentencing until Trump concludes his presidential term in 2029. Despite the election, Trump’s legal team continues to push for the case’s dismissal, arguing that it poses unconstitutional disruptions to his impending presidency. Their defense references President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, suggesting a precedent of political prosecution.
The timing of Judge Merchan’s decision on how to proceed with the case is yet to be determined. Trump, a Republican, is set to assume office on January 20. The sentencing initially was planned for late last month but has been postponed following Trump’s election victory. This delay allows both defense and prosecution additional time to deliberate on the case’s future.
Judge Merchan has also postponed ruling on Trump’s earlier request to dismiss the case based on claims of immunity. Trump’s defense team has been actively trying to overturn his conviction, which involves 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, intended to silence her allegations of a past affair with Trump. Trump denies these allegations, maintaining that the case is a politically motivated maneuver orchestrated by Democratic figures.
Trump, the first former president convicted of a crime, faces a unique situation—as the first individual to be elected to the presidency post-conviction. Judge Merchan has several options, including proceeding with sentencing, pausing the case until Trump exits office, or awaiting a federal appeals court’s decision on Trump’s attempt to relocate the case from state court.
This hush money case stands as the sole indictment against Trump during his four criminal cases that advanced to trial. Following Trump’s election victory, special counsel Jack Smith dropped two federal cases involving Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election and the mishandling of classified documents. Meanwhile, a separate state case in Georgia concerning election interference is largely adjourned. Trump continues to deny any misconduct in all matters.
The decision on the fate of Donald Trump’s conviction remains in the hands of the judiciary. While prosecutors aim to preserve the jury’s findings, various legal avenues are still under consideration.
Source: Wsvn
