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          Trump Requests New York Judge to Delay Felony Sentencing Past Election Day

Former President Donald Trump has requested that a New York judge postpone his sentencing for 34 state felony convictions until after the November presidential election.

Judge Juan Merchan had scheduled Trump’s sentencing for September 18. However, this date overlaps with the start of early voting for the presidential election, and Trump's attorneys argue it does not provide sufficient time to appeal a potential ruling on a request to vacate the conviction, which Merchan is set to issue two days prior. The letter, dated Wednesday and not yet on the court’s official docket, was provided to States Newsroom by Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche.

Trump’s legal team claims Merchan’s schedule is unrealistic and fails to address several related concerns. They argue that proceeding with sentencing could improperly influence voters’ perceptions of Trump leading up to the election. Additionally, they contend that Merchan’s daughter’s connections to Democratic politicians could undermine public trust in the court. Despite Merchan’s rejection of Trump’s previous recusal requests due to his daughter’s employment at a Democratic-affiliated company, Trump’s attorneys believe delaying the sentencing would help mitigate any perceived conflict of interest.

The letter also notes that the sentencing date coincides with the commencement of early voting, which begins in some Pennsylvania counties as early as September 16, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The exact early voting timeline in key battleground states remains uncertain.

Furthermore, Trump’s attorneys argue that the sentencing hearing should be postponed to accommodate a pending issue related to presidential immunity. Trump has requested his conviction be overturned based on a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that extended broad criminal immunity to sitting presidents for official acts. Merchan is expected to rule on this immunity request on September 16, but Trump’s lawyers assert that the current schedule does not allow enough time to appeal any adverse decision.

Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsified business records, making him the first former president to face felony convictions. The charges stem from a $130,000 payment made through attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, intended to prevent her from speaking about an alleged past encounter with Trump.

Originally set for July 11, Trump’s sentencing was delayed after the Supreme Court’s July 1 ruling on presidential immunity. Merchan agreed to postpone the sentencing to determine how this ruling affects the New York case, which involves conduct that Trump’s attorneys argue might be impermissible under the new immunity standards.