A New York judge will make a decision on Tuesday whether to cancel Donald Trump’s criminal conviction for falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump’s lawyers are using a recent US Supreme Court’s presidential immunity ruling.
In May, a jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony charges related to the $130,000 payment made to stop claims about a 2006 sexual encounter. The sentencing is set for November 26, just before Trump’s inauguration.
Prosecutors argue the case centres on “completely personal” actions that have nothing to do with Trump’s official duties as president. Trump’s defence team argues that some evidence, including conversations with former White House communications director Hope Hicks, confused the jury.
If Judge Juan Merchan confirms the guilty verdict, Trump could be sentenced to up to four years in prison. If the verdict is reversed, Merchan might call for a new trial or cancel the charges. Experts believe Merchan’s choices are restricted because Trump’s inauguration is approaching.
Special Counsel Jack Smith might decide not to pursue Trump’s federal criminal cases involving election meddling and classified documents, following DOJ guidelines. Trump’s case in Georgia for interfering in the election is still on hold.
