A New York court has postponed until September 18 the announcement of the verdict in the case of Donald Trump regarding the conviction for concealing the money paid to a porn star. The decision is related to the request of Trump's lawyers to declare that the former US president has immunity from prosecution.
Reuters claims that Donald Trump He faces an uphill battle to overturn his money laundering conviction, as most of the charges relate to actions he committed before he became president USA.
Trump’s lawyers asked New York District Judge Juan Merchan on Monday to allow them to argue that the conviction in Manhattan state court should be overturned in light of a July 1 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court’s ruling grants presidents immunity for official acts.
Court postpones verdict in Trump's criminal caseWILL OLIVER/PAP/EPA
Prosecutors from Alvin Bragg's office had previously said Trump's argument was “baseless” but agreed to delay the sentencing to give Trump a chance to present his case.
In a written order, Merchan said he would rule on Trump’s motion by Sept. 6, with a verdict coming less than two weeks later if the judge upholds the conviction. Trump’s lawyers have until July 10 to make their arguments, and prosecutors have been given a July 24 deadline to respond.
Trump convicted in criminal case
A jury in Manhattan state court in New York has found former U.S. President Donald Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with concealing a hush money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign.
The maximum sentence for falsifying business records is four years in prison, Reuters reported. Most commentators do not expect Trump to be sentenced to prison, but possible scenarios include house arrest or probation.
Trump will be able to appeal the verdict once it is announced, and in the meantime he will remain free.
Main image source: WILL OLIVER/PAP/EPA