New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan on November 12 granted a stay on all deadlines associated with President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction in what became generally known as the “Hush-money case.” The much-anticipated decision means Trump will avoid a possible prison sentence, since the Nov. 26 sentencing date is now off the table. The matter will now be returned to prosecutors to get their “view of appropriate steps going forward.”
Earlier this year, a jury in Manhattan found Mr. Trump guilty on multiple counts of falsifying business records related to concealing a so-called hush-money payment to a porn star. The charges brought against the former president and now president-elect have been widely criticized by many legal experts as flimsy and gratuitous.
Legal scholar Jonathan Turley noted that:
“In any case, whatever the ruling, the ability of the Trump team needs to be able to appeal any case that is not dismissed. This case is riddled with reversible errors in my view. The one option that should be rejected, in my view, is suspending during the pendency of the new administration … I would be surprised if the option is suspension for the pendency of the coming term. It would produce the absurd status of a Damocles Sword dangling over the head of the president…
“Keep in mind that Merchan could sentence without any limitations on the movement or duties of the president. He could also dismiss a case that should never have been brought… The lawfare failed. Trump won. Time to return the attractions to their cages and call the circus to an end in Manhattan.”
A July 1 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity complicated several other legal cases targeting the former and now future president. His decisive victory in the 2024 election then pulled the rug out from under the feet of prosecutors, since the Department of Justice has a longstanding rule against prosecuting sitting presidents – which naturally extends to presidents-elect.
