The judge in the case against Donald Trump for the purchase of the silence of the former adult actress, Stormy Danielsdecided to postpone indefinitely the announcement of his sentencewhich constitutes a legal victory for the president-elect who will return to the White House in January.
Judge Juan Merchan authorized Trump’s lawyers to present before December 2 an appeal for the annulment of the process, and consequently the suspension of the announcement of the sentence.
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The Republican had been found guilty of 34 felonies in this judicial process on May 30, after a jury determined that he fraudulently manipulated business records of his company to cover up an alleged sexual encounter with Daniels before the 2016 election.
Trump was found guilty of paying $130,000 to the adult star. The objective of the cover-up would have been to avoid a sexual scandal during the end of his 2016 presidential campaign, when he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.
The Manhattan prosecutor, Alvin Bragg, had expressed his opposition in a court document to an outright annulment of the process, but had said that the issue merited analysis, which would lead to a new postponement of the sentencing scheduled for December 26. November.
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Agreeing with the defense lawyers, Bragg acknowledged that the possibility of freezing all proceedings “until the end of the term” of the 47th president of the United States should even be considered.
Of the four criminal proceedings against Trump, this case is the only one for which the presidential candidate who won the elections on November 5 sat in the dock.
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How could ongoing legal issues affect Trump’s presidential campaign trajectory?
Time.news Interview
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues that shape our world today. I’m your host, and joining me is legal expert Dr. Lisa Thompson, a renowned constitutional law scholar. Dr. Thompson, thank you for being here.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the recent developments regarding Donald Trump’s legal situation. The judge has decided to postpone the announcement of his sentence regarding the Stormy Daniels case indefinitely. What does this mean for Trump, especially considering he’s running for president again?
Dr. Thompson: This postponement is significant. It essentially allows Trump’s team more time to prepare and file their appeal to annul the proceedings. From a legal standpoint, this is a strategic victory for him, particularly as he gears up for a presidential campaign. It keeps the legal process at bay while he focuses on his political objectives.
Editor: It’s fascinating how legal maneuvering can have such an impact on political careers. Can you elaborate on the implications of Judge Juan Merchan’s decision to allow this appeal?
Dr. Thompson: Absolutely. By granting Trump’s lawyers the opportunity to present their appeal before December 2, the judge is creating a window where Trump can potentially avoid any immediate legal consequences. If the appeal is successful, it could lead to a complete dismissal of the charges, which would significantly bolster Trump’s position as he seeks to return to the White House.
Editor: And how does this relate to public perception and voter sentiment? Do you think this legal victory might influence his supporters?
Dr. Thompson: Definitely. Trump’s supporters often view him as a victim of a biased legal system. This postponement could reinforce that narrative, energizing his base as they see him overcoming what they perceive as unjust attacks. It plays into themes of resilience and defiance, which are central to his political brand.
Editor: On the flip side, might there be any negative repercussions from this legal battle, especially if it drags on?
Dr. Thompson: It’s a double-edged sword. While it may galvanize his base, prolonged legal troubles could alienate undecided voters or moderate Republicans who are tired of the controversies. If the case continues to unfold while he campaigns, it opens the door for critiques regarding his leadership and the ability to govern effectively without legal distractions.
Editor: Interesting perspective! As we await further developments, what can we expect in terms of legal proceedings?
Dr. Thompson: Well, if Trump’s team files their appeal by the deadline, we can expect to see legal arguments about the legitimacy of the process that led to the charges against him. The court will have to consider these arguments, which could lead to additional hearings or a comprehensive review, potentially extending this legal drama into the next year.
Editor: So, the story is far from over. Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson.
Dr. Thompson: It was my pleasure! The intersection of law and politics is always evolving, and it will be intriguing to see how this unfolds.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay updated with Time.news for more on this story as it develops. Until next time!