Judge Juan Merchan has postponed Former U.S. President Trump's sentencing for falsification of business records until after the November election. Here, Trump speaks at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 21, 2024 in New York City.
© Michael M. Santiago/Pool via USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – Former President Trump will not be sentenced in his business record falsification trial prior to the November election. That’s the decision from Manhattan judge Juan Merchan, who indicated he wanted to avoid the perception of bias by sentencing prior to the election. Earlier this year Trump was convicted of multiple felony counts of business record falsification, in connection to alleged payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
But after the US Supreme Court ruled that presidents do enjoy a degree of immunity from criminal charges — in terms of their carrying out official duties — Trump’s legal team appealed the decision. They say some evidence should not have been allowed given the immunity doctrine. Now, a further appeal can be crafted in light of this delayed sentencing.
Sentencing had been scheduled for September 18, but now it will be conducted in late November. That’s past the election date. Judge Merchan could choose to give Trump probation, put him in jail, or sentence him to house arrest. Trump has no prior criminal convictions. The former president has repeatedly called the legal case a sham and part of legal “lawfare” launched against him because he’s running for office.
