Donald Trump asks New York judge to halt sentencing in his criminal hush money case

NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump made a request on Monday to the judge handling his criminal case in New York to postpone a sentencing hearing scheduled for Friday.

In an unexpected decision last week, Judge Juan Merchan mandated Trump’s presence for sentencing on January 10, either in person or virtually, after Trump’s conviction in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records.

Trump’s legal team contended that Merchan would not have the jurisdiction to proceed with the sentencing because Trump is currently appealing Merchan’s previous ruling that the presidential immunity established by the Supreme Court does not extend to the New York hush money case.

“Forcing a President to continue to defend a criminal case-potentially through trial or, even more dramatically here, through sentencing and judgment-while the appellate courts are still grappling with his claim of immunity would, in fact, force that President ‘to answer for his conduct in court’ before his claim of immunity is finally adjudicated,” defense attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove wrote.

Merchan said he would sentence Trump to an unconditional discharge, effectively a blemish on Trump’s record, saying it struck a balance between the duties of president and the sanctity of the jury’s verdict.

Trump’s attorneys said it did not matter.

“It is of no moment that the Court has suggested an intention to impose a sentence of unconditional discharge. While it is indisputable that the fabricated charges in this meritless case should have never been brought, and at this point could not possibly justify a sentence more onerous than that, no sentence at all is appropriate based on numerous legal errors-including legal errors directly relating to Presidential immunity that President Trump will address in the forthcoming appeals,” the defense said.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to comment.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

You May Also Like
World's biggest celebrities turn out in force in outrageous outfits for Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos' final wedding party... with a bizarre theme

“Top Celebrities Dress up in Extravagant Outfits at Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ Last Wedding Bash with Unusual Theme”

Some of the early attendees at the final evening of Lauren Sanchez…
Chicago man Ashraf Al Safoo convicted in ISIS terror case, using social media to encourage attacks

Chicago resident Ashraf Al Safoo found guilty in ISIS terrorism case for inciting violence through social media

An individual from Chicago, originally from Iraq, has been found guilty of…
‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: Eight Men and a Baby

Recap of ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 Episode 4: A Group of Eight Men and a Baby

Certainly, let me ask the question outright: Will they harm the infant?…
The leak that threatened to derail Trump's Iran strike... Susie Wiles's secret role... and a nail-biting final phone call, all now revealed

Revealed: The Leak that Almost Stopped Trump’s Iran Attack, Susie Wiles’ Hidden Involvement, and a Tense Last-minute Call

After getting off Marine One on Saturday evening, President Donald Trump, wearing…
Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard is tight lipped as she and partner Guillaume Canet SPLIT after 18 years

Marion Cotillard and partner Guillaume Canet end relationship after 18 years: Oscar-winning actress remains reserved.

The Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard and her partner Guillaume Canet revealed on…
Ex-wife of alleged Gilgo Beach killer still defends him, but daughter says he ‘most likely’ did it

Former wife of suspected Gilgo Beach murderer maintains his innocence while their daughter believes he is likely guilty

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Asa Ellerup is grappling…
Trump is a Jacksonian President—and Reagan Might Have Been, Too

Trump embodies the Jacksonian style of presidency, and it is possible that Reagan shared similar traits as well.

In a recent article from Politico, Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Republican…
Gurnee Woodland Elementary School teacher Todd Fowler charged with disseminating child pornography, Lake County Sheriff says

“Authorities Arrest 27 Individuals in Lake County Sheriff’s Office Effort to Combat Human Trafficking in Gurnee, Illinois”

In Lake County, Illinois, twenty-seven men have been taken into custody as…
Legendary Mission: Impossible composer Lalo Schifrin dies aged 93

Renowned composer of Mission: Impossible, Lalo Schifrin, passes away at 93

The legendary composer who wrote the Mission: Impossible theme song has passed…
Norwegian royal charged with rape; police say victim count in double digits

Member of Norwegian royalty accused of rape; authorities report multiple victims involved

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The oldest son of…
Russia Ukraine | Russian drone strike on Odesa kills married couple, injures 17 people, Ukraine says

“Russian Drone Attack in Odesa Results in Tragic Loss, Leaves 17 Injured, Reports Ukraine”

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian drones struck the southern Ukrainian port city of…
Marco Rubio holds first meeting with families of hostages held by Hamas

Marco Rubio meets with families of hostages taken by Hamas

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! In Washington, D.C., U.S.…