Manhattan prosecutors are pushing to keep President-elect Donald Trump’s hush money case alive, despite his argument that sentencing should be cancelled due to his election. Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a payment to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. His sentencing has been repeatedly delayed, with his legal team arguing that the case should be dismissed to avoid interfering with his presidency. Trump’s lawyers claim that burdening the presidency with a biased prosecution would be unconstitutional and undemocratic, and are making various legal arguments for the case to be thrown out. However, prosecutors argue that Trump should not have immunity as president-elect and that the case should continue, even if sentencing is postponed until after his potential next term. Trump’s team also argues for dismissal under a New York statute “in furtherance of justice,” citing his contributions to the country. If Trump is sentenced for the convictions, the judge has discretion over the sentence, which could range from prison time to no time behind bars.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
