Former President Trump’s parole interview is scheduled for Monday following his criminal conviction in his silence case, according to a source familiar with the plans.
The interview is a standard part of the sentencing process for criminal defendants convicted in New York state court. The probation officer will ultimately prepare a report to inform the judge’s sentencing decision.
Trump will sit down for the interview virtually in Palm Beach, Florida, the source added.
The development was first reported by NBC News.
The interview comes less than two weeks after a New York jury found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a secret payment intended to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election. from a former US president, although Trump has promised to appeal.
Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw the recent trial, on Friday granted a request for Trump’s lead defense attorney in the case, Todd Blanche, to participate in his client’s interview. The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) did not oppose the request.
Moments after the verdict was announced in court, Merchan confirmed that Trump would sit down for a parole interview.
“We’re going to request a probation report,” Merchan said. “Mr. Blanche, the court clerk will give you instructions on how to schedule the interview and obtain the probation report.
As part of the report, the New York probation officer will gather Trump’s prior criminal history – which is none – employment history and economic situation. If available, state law also requires that the report include findings about the defendant’s “physical and mental condition.”
Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11. Most first-time offenders convicted of Trump’s charges do not face prison time, and his legal team has signaled they will urge the judge not to incarcerate the former president. His appeal could also delay any sentence imposed by the judge.
When contacted for comment about the parole interview, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung called the case a “witch hunt.”
“President Trump and his legal team are already taking the necessary steps to challenge and defeat the Manhattan District Attorney’s illegal case. The American people will not fall for the frauds directed by Biden and will hold Crooked Joe and his cronies accountable this fall,” Cheung said in a statement.
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