A New York judge has ruled that President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his felony hush money case will proceed as scheduled on Friday, 10th of January 2025.
Justice Juan Merchan denied Trump’s request to delay the sentencing, stating that his arguments were largely repetitive of claims he had raised before.
Trump’s legal team had argued for a dismissal of the case, calling the prosecution politically motivated and flawed. They sought a hearing with the appellate court to challenge the case.
In May, Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, making him the first former president to be convicted of a crime. The charges stemmed from his efforts to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment to an adult film star by falsely categorizing it as legal expenses.
Despite Trump’s claims of innocence and his denial of any wrongdoing, Justice Merchan rejected his motion to delay proceedings, and the sentencing will move forward. Trump’s legal team has continued to argue that the prosecution is unlawful.
The judge had previously delayed the sentencing due to the 2024 presidential election and Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, which was rejected in December. Merchan has indicated that he will issue an “unconditional discharge” sentence, meaning no prison time, fines, or probation.
Trump’s team has not confirmed whether he will appear in court, though the district attorney’s office indicated he may opt for a virtual appearance.
