Lawyers for Donald Trump are seeking to delay his sentencing in a hush money case by appealing to a federal court to move the case into federal court. A federal judge had previously rejected Trump’s motion to transfer the case and delay the sentencing, which is currently scheduled for September 18. Trump’s legal team argues that proceeding with the sentencing could result in the immediate incarceration of the former president, causing irreparable harm before the appeals court has the chance to hear his case.
Trump’s lawyers have asked the appeals court to stay the federal judge’s ruling so the case does not go back to the state court where Trump is set to be sentenced. They filed a motion to appeal the decision denying the move to federal court and requested the appeals court to hear an argument on the merits of transferring the case. This is part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to delay his sentencing in the hush money case.
The argument from Trump’s lawyers for moving the case into federal court is based on a Supreme Court decision this summer that granted immunity for some of Trump’s conduct falling within his official powers. Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office have opposed the challenge to move the case into federal court, indicating that they will defer to the trial judge on Trump’s request to postpone his sentencing until after the election. The trial judge, Juan Merchan, is expected to issue a decision on this matter soon.
The request to delay Trump’s sentencing in the hush money case comes as part of a legal battle over the venue and timing of the proceedings. Trump’s legal team is trying to ensure that the case remains in federal court rather than being sent back to state court for sentencing. By delaying the sentencing, Trump hopes to avert immediate incarceration and protect his interests in the looming election. The outcome of these legal maneuvers will determine the next steps in the case and potentially affect Trump’s future legal challenges.
Overall, the legal dispute surrounding Trump’s hush money case highlights the complex and contentious nature of his post-presidential legal battles. With the stakes high and the timeline tight, both sides are vigorously arguing their case in court. The decision of the appeals court and the trial judge will have significant implications for Trump’s legal standing and potential criminal liability in this case. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be closely watching to see how this latest chapter in the saga of Donald Trump’s legal challenges plays out.
