A New York judge postponed Donald Trump’s sentencing until September to consider the Supreme Court’s ruling on immunity.
The highest court of the United States decided on Monday There is immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. while in office, in a boost for Trump, who is accused of illegally trying to overturn his 2020 election loss.
The former president asked Judge Juan Merchán to delay sentencing for his conviction over money paid to a porn star to give him the opportunity to argue that he should have been immune from prosecution.
Prosecutors said Trump’s argument was “meritless” but agreed to the delay to give Trump time to make his case.
He will face an uphill battle to have the hush money conviction overturned, as much of the conduct in the case predates his tenure.
The delay will push the ruling past the July 15 Republic National Convention, when Trump will be named the party’s candidate for the Nov. 5 presidential election.
Sentencing, initially scheduled for July 11, is now scheduled for September 18.
Trump was found guilty on May 30 of falsifying business records to cover up his former attorney Michael Cohen’s $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.
The offer was made to keep her quiet about an alleged sexual encounter that occurred in 2006 until after the 2016 election, when Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Trump denies having sexual relations with Daniels and has said he will do so appeal against conviction after his sentencing.
Prosecutors said the payment was part of an illicit scheme to influence the election.
Read more:
Ruling gives Biden welcome respite from health issues
Biden says immunity ruling means presidents can ‘ignore law’
In their letter to Judge Merchan, Trump’s team argued that prosecutors had used evidence related to his official acts as president, including conversations at the White House.
Under the Supreme Court ruling, prosecutors cannot use evidence related to official actions to help prove criminal cases involving unofficial actions.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
