Manhattan DA Delays Trump Sentencing in Hush Money Case But Rejects Dismissal Request

Manhattan DA Postpones Trump’s Sentencing in Hush Money Case

The Manhattan District Attorney's office has agreed to delay Donald Trump’s sentencing in the hush money case, allowing time for further legal motions.

The DA's office confirmed on 19 November 2024 that they would extend the timeline to accommodate Trump’s upcoming motion to dismiss the case, a move widely anticipated following his election as president.

This decision highlights the intersection of Trump’s legal challenges and his political ambitions, as the office acknowledged it was unlikely that sentencing would occur before the conclusion of his next presidential term.

A Pause That Could Last Four Years

Sources close to the DA's office suggest that the case could be stalled for up to four years, offering Trump a substantial delay in his legal proceedings while he serves as president.

This extended pause is part of a broader strategy by Trump’s defence team to delay all his legal matters until after the 2024 election.

His federal cases appear to be winding down, and the Georgia state case is in a standstill, with the New York case now poised to drag on indefinitely.

Trump's lawyers have managed to buy significant time, effectively pushing his day of reckoning beyond the horizon of the current election cycle.

A Conviction That Might Stand—For Now

Trump was found guilty in May 2024 on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments made to Cohen to cover up a $130,000 hush money settlement with adult film star Stormy Daniels — has triggered a series of legal challenges.

Despite these efforts, the DA has made it clear that it believes the conviction should not be overturned, arguing that Trump’s actions, including those performed while in office, are still subject to legal scrutiny.

The DA’s office asserted in its filing that no law currently grants the president immunity from post-trial criminal proceedings.

In a letter addressed to Judge Juan Merchan, the DA stated:

“No current law establishes that a president’s temporary immunity from prosecution requires dismissal of a post-trial criminal proceeding that was initiated at a time when the defendant was not immune from criminal prosecution and that is based on official conduct for which the defendant is also not immune.”

Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, described the filing as "a total and definitive victory for President Trump."

Trump's Legal Team Fights to Toss the Conviction

Trump’s lawyers, however, are pushing hard to have the conviction nullified, citing the recent US Supreme Court decision that granted the president broad immunity for official acts while in office.

His legal team has argued that this immunity extends to his conviction in the hush money case.

They claim that because the evidence presented during the trial included actions tied to his official duties, it should not have been considered in the criminal proceedings.

Trump's attorney, Emil Bove, further argued that the delay and dismissal of the case were essential to prevent any constitutional obstacles to Trump’s ability to govern once he is in office.

Bove said in emails exchanged with the court and the DA’s office earlier this month:

"The stay, and dismissal, are necessary to avoid unconstitutional impediments to President Trump’s ability to govern."

This argument plays into the broader legal question of whether a sitting president can face legal consequences while actively governing.

The Inevitable Outcome of Trump's Election Victory

Legal experts, including former prosecutor and CNN analyst Elie Honig, have stated that the postponement of Trump’s sentencing was an inevitable consequence of his election.

“We like to say no person is above the law in this country, but the fact is one person largely is, and that’s the president, because of the immunity ruling and because of the DOJ policy,” Honig explained.

He pointed out that, under current US law, the president is afforded a level of immunity that prevents prosecution during their time in office.

This, in effect, shields Trump from the full impact of his conviction while he navigates the political landscape.

A Delayed Sentence, A Lingering Legal Shadow

Trump’s legal journey has been marked by multiple delays, particularly after his conviction in May.

The conviction was the result of a lengthy trial, which lasted two months.

But the sentencing has been delayed twice, first in July 2024 and then again as the case became further entangled with questions of presidential immunity and the Supreme Court ruling.

This effort, along with other tactics such as seeking to move the case to federal court, has further complicated matters and slowed down the judicial process.

Despite this, the DA’s office remains resolute in its belief that Trump’s conviction should stand.

They argue that the evidence presented during trial was “overwhelming” and that Trump’s legal manoeuvres should not absolve him of his actions.

The DA’s team is determined to see the case through, despite the political complexities surrounding Trump’s return to the presidency.