A New York judge is poised to rule on the future of Donald Trump’s criminal hush money conviction, with the decision expected this Tuesday. This ruling comes in light of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding presidential immunity, which could significantly impact the case.
In May, a jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, linked to a $130,000 hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. The payment was made to suppress allegations of a 2006 sexual encounter, which Trump allegedly sought to keep quiet to bolster his 2016 electoral campaign.
If Judge Juan Merchan chooses to uphold the conviction, Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for November 26, just a couple of months before he is set to be inaugurated again. The prosecution argues that the case revolves around Trump’s personal conduct, entirely separate from any presidential duties. They insist that the evidence presented to the jury was overwhelming and not affected by the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Conversely, Trump’s legal team contends that certain evidence, including discussions with former White House communications director Hope Hicks, influenced the jury’s perception of the case. Hicks testified that Trump preferred the hush money story to emerge only after the election, indicating his awareness of its potential impact.
Trump is seeking to have the verdict overturned or the case dismissed. Should Judge Merchan decide to annul the conviction, he could either order a retrial—delayed for at least four years—or dismiss the indictment altogether.
The judge has previously postponed sentencing twice, first in July following the Supreme Court ruling and again in September, to mitigate any appearance of bias related to the upcoming presidential election.
Legal experts note that Trump’s conviction carries a potential sentence of up to four years, although first-time offenders typically receive lighter penalties. Meanwhile, special counsel Jack Smith is expected to drop two federal cases against Trump concerning his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, adhering to a Department of Justice policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.
As Trump navigates this legal landscape, his New York conviction remains one of his final legal obstacles before his anticipated return to the presidency. Judge Merchan has characterized the case as “unique in this Nation’s history,” underscoring its significance in the ongoing political narrative.
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