Authorities are prepared to commence the sentencing phase in the Trump trial.
In the trial concerning the payoff scandal involving ex-U.S. President Donald Trump, the court has consented to let Judge Juan Merchan decide on a possible delay in sentencing. As per a letter released to Judge Merchan from the Manhattan District Attorney's office, they've agreed to "leave it to the court to determine an appropriate schedule for matters following trial." The prosecution ensures its preparedness to show up at any scheduled sentencing date. Trump was convicted by a New York jury on May 30, being found guilty on all 34 counts of manipulating business documents to conceal a $130,000 payment made in 2016 to adult film star Stormy Daniels for silence. At 78 years old, Trump became the first former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime.
The judge had not yet set the sentence in this payoff case, considering Trump's request to overturn his conviction in a separate case. The initial sentencing date was set for September 18.
Nevertheless, Trump's legal team requested Judge Merchan last week to defer the sentencing until after the presidential election on November 5. Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, argued that the proposed date did not provide the ex-president enough time to potentially challenge the decision in another court case.
The judicial system had previously postponed the sentencing once, just weeks after a Supreme Court ruling handed Trump temporary legal shielding in early July. This temporary protection added ambiguity concerning the advancement of Trump's legal proceedings.
Experts predict a prison term for the 78-year-old, who is currently running against Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, to be highly unlikely. Being a first-time offender with no violent past, expect probation or a fine. However, Trump's legal team strives to fully overturn the guilty verdict.
The proposal for a delay in sentencing in the 'The Silent Paid Process' case is under consideration by Judge Juan Merchan, following Trump's lawyer's request. Despite being found guilty in 'The Silent Paid Process', Trump's legal team is actively seeking to overturn the verdict.
