A New York judge ruled on Monday (January 6) that President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his felony hush money case will proceed as scheduled this Friday. Justice Juan Merchan stated that the arguments raised by Trump against the sentencing were largely repetitive and had been addressed previously.
In court filings, Trump’s attorneys argued for the dismissal of the case, labeling it a politically motivated prosecution that was flawed from the start. His legal team is requesting a hearing with the appellate court on the matter.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, making him the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.
“Defendant’s motion for a stay of these proceedings, including the sentencing hearing scheduled for January 10, 2025, is hereby DENIED,” Justice Merchan wrote in his decision.
The charges against President-elect Donald Trump stem from his attempt to conceal reimbursements for a $130,000 hush money payment to an adult film star by classifying them as legal expenses. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. His legal team has argued that filing an appeal should delay the criminal proceedings in his New York case.
Trump To Face Sentencing Despite Appeals
The sentencing, which had been delayed multiple times due to the 2024 presidential election and Trump’s efforts to have the case dismissed on the grounds of presidential immunity, is now set to proceed. Justice Merchan rejected the immunity claim in December.
On January 3, Justice Merchan confirmed the sentencing would occur before Trump takes office on January 20, but made it clear he would not consider any custodial term. Instead, he indicated he would issue an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no prison time, fine, or probation.
Justice Merchan has ordered Trump to appear either virtually or in person for the upcoming sentencing hearing. Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s presidential transition, reiterated the argument that the prosecution is unlawful.
“The American People elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate that demands an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and all of the remaining Witch Hunts,” he said in the statement.
DA Office Mentions Trump’s Virtual Sentencing Request
It is not known yet if Trump will appear in court on Friday during his sentencing.
However, in its response to the request for a stay on Monday afternoon, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office mentioned the “defendant’s decision to appear for sentencing virtually instead of in person.”
Following the election, there was a flurry of legal filings from both Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is overseeing the case, and Trump’s legal team. Bragg’s office had previously indicated they would not oppose delaying the sentencing until after Trump’s term ends, four years from now.
