A New York judge on Monday denied former President Donald Trump’s request to delay his sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday in his New York criminal case, just days before his inauguration.
Trump’s lawyers argued in a filing earlier that day that the January 10, 2025, sentencing should be postponed until his appeals regarding presidential immunity were fully resolved. State Judge Juan Merchan rejected the motion, stating it largely repeated arguments previously raised and dismissed.
Last week, Merchan denied Trump’s bid to dismiss the case, ordering the sentencing to proceed as scheduled. Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump denies her claims of a past affair.
Trump’s legal team filed an appeal Monday seeking to delay sentencing until after his inauguration, requesting a hearing on January 27. They argued he is entitled to an “automatic stay.” Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung called the sentencing “unlawful” and urged for the case’s dismissal, citing constitutional and legal precedents.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office opposed the delay, arguing that the sentencing timeline was driven by Trump’s repeated requests for adjournments. Prosecutors emphasized that conducting the sentencing now, prior to Trump assuming presidential duties, avoids complications that could arise during his term.
Merchan stated that sentencing could be completed in under an hour and noted that Trump faces no jail time, with the likely penalty being an unconditional discharge, leaving him a convicted felon but with no further punishment.
The hearing was initially scheduled for July 2024 but was postponed at Trump’s request following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. In recent rulings, Merchan found the decision did not impact Trump’s conviction in the case.
Trump’s attorneys had until Sunday to confirm whether he would appear in person or virtually for the sentencing. Prosecutors indicated Monday that he had opted for a virtual appearance, though the source of this information was not specified.
