Wed Jan 08 15:18:34 UTC 2025: ## President-Elect Trump Seeks Supreme Court Intervention in Hush-Money Case Ahead of Sentencing
**New York, NY** – President-elect Donald Trump is appealing to the Supreme Court to halt his sentencing in a New York criminal case just two days before the scheduled hearing. The sentencing, set for Friday, comes a mere 10 days before Trump’s inauguration for a second term.
Trump was convicted last May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. His legal team argues that a Supreme Court ruling granting presidents broad immunity from prosecution renders some evidence inadmissible, and they are seeking to overturn the conviction.
This emergency appeal to the Supreme Court follows the rejection of similar requests by lower courts. Trump’s lawyers contend that proceeding with the sentencing would cause “grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency.” The Supreme Court has ordered prosecutors to respond by Thursday.
While Judge Juan Merchan has indicated an intention to sentence Trump to an “unconditional discharge,” meaning no jail time, fine, or probation, the legal battle casts a long shadow over the incoming administration. Trump’s election victory has already led to the dismissal of two federal cases against him, due to a longstanding Department of Justice policy against prosecuting sitting presidents. The status of a Georgia case is also uncertain following recent changes in state prosecution.
This unprecedented situation marks the first time a convicted felon will assume the presidency, raising significant constitutional and ethical questions. The Supreme Court’s decision will have far-reaching consequences for the separation of powers and the rule of law.
First Piper 