The sentencing of President-elect Donald Trump in his New York hush-money case, originally scheduled for November 26, has been adjourned, according to a court note released on Tuesday (November 19). The decision comes as the judge considers how to proceed with the prosecution following Trump's recent reelection victory. The court has not provided an explanation for the adjournment.
In a letter to Judge Juan Merchan from the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, prosecutors urged Merchan not to miss the case but suggested the sentencing may need to wait until after Trump has finished his second term in office.
"The People deeply respect the Office of the President, are mindful of the demands and obligations of the presidency, and acknowledge that Defendant's inauguration will raise unprecedented legal questions. We also deeply respect the fundamental role of the jury in our constitutional system," they wrote in the letter.
"Given the need to balance competing constitutional interests, consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options that may address any concerns raised by the pendency of a post-trial criminal proceeding during the presidency, such as deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of Defendant's upcoming presidential term."
Prosecutors also said they need more time to fight an appeal from Trump's lawyers, who are seeking to have the case tossed out.
"The People believe that further proceedings before this Court should be adjourned to permit litigation of Defendants' forthcoming motions to dismiss and, Therefore, the People would not oppose a defense motion for a stay of further proceedings before this Court while Defendant's motion is adjudicated."
In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to payments to an adult film star ahead of the 2016 election. Trump denies any wrongdoing. He faces up to four years in prison in the hush money case, although many experts predicted he would get far less time, or just probation, even before his election victory.
The judge is also expected to deliver a decision on Trump's pre-election request for a new trial, following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in July on presidential immunity in criminal cases.