NEW YORK — Donald Trump’s legal team has requested a delay in his sentencing in the Manhattan criminal case until after the November presidential election. Currently scheduled for September 18, the sentencing comes as Trump campaigns as the Republican nominee for president.
In a letter to the court, Trump’s attorneys argued that the sentencing should be postponed to allow time to explore appellate options. This request follows an upcoming ruling by Justice Juan Merchan on September 16, which will decide whether Trump’s conviction should be overturned based on a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity.
Arguments for Delay
Trump’s lawyers, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, stressed that the judge should wait for potential appeals to be reviewed before proceeding with sentencing. They asserted that “setting aside naked election-interference objectives,” there is no compelling reason to keep the current sentencing date, especially with the risk of disrupting the electoral process.
This request, however, may face significant challenges. Justice Merchan had already moved the sentencing from July to September to consider the immunity ruling. The judge has indicated that the September 18 date “remains unchanged,” making it uncertain if Trump’s latest bid will succeed.
Potential Sentencing Outcomes
If the sentencing goes ahead as planned, Trump, who was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, faces various potential penalties. These include community service, home confinement, or up to four years in prison. Legal experts have suggested that Trump is unlikely to be sentenced to prison, particularly because he is a first-time offender.
Furthermore, even if a prison sentence is imposed, Trump is expected to remain free while appealing the conviction. The appeals process could take several months, possibly delaying any imprisonment until after the election. Should Trump win the presidency, any prison sentence would likely be suspended while he is in office.
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