Trump‘s hush Money Conviction Stands: Judge Rejects Immunity Plea
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Legal Battles Continue
Trump’s legal team has pursued several strategies to overturn the conviction. They have sought to move the case to federal court,arguing that this would give Trump the authority to end the case upon assuming the presidency. Additionally, he has challenged the conviction on various technical grounds, including allegations of juror misconduct. The conviction stems from payments made to a pornographic film actress to silence her regarding an alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Prosecutors successfully argued that these payments were made to protect Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Following his election victory in November, the judge overseeing the case indefinitely postponed Trump’s sentencing. Trump’s lawyers cited the Supreme Court’s July ruling, which grants presidents broad immunity for official acts, as justification for dismissing the conviction. Prosecutors countered that Trump’s request to dismiss the case was excessive, stating that while Trump deserved special consideration to avoid jeopardizing his presidency, a dismissal was unneeded. They proposed option solutions, such as a stay of proceedings during his term. This legal battle comes alongside a seperate effort by Trump’s lawyers to quash a civil judgment against him for fraud, which resulted in a $464 million penalty. They argued this action was necessary “for the greater good of the country” as Trump prepares to return to power. However, New york Deputy Solicitor General Judith Vale denied the request.Trump’s Hush Money Conviction: what’s Next?
Joining us today is legal analyst Sarah Jenkins too unpack the latest developments in the case against former President Donald Trump. A New York judge has rejected Trump’s attempt to have his felony conviction for hush money payments dismissed, claiming presidential immunity. Sarah, can you shed some light on the judge’s decision?
Sarah Jenkins: Absolutely. Judge juan Merchan ruled that the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding presidential immunity doesn’t apply here. He stated that the hush money payments were “entirely to unofficial conduct” and thus not protected. This means Trump’s conviction stands, at least for now.
Archyde Editor: This ruling creates the possibility of Trump becoming the first president to enter the White House with a felony conviction if his appeal is unsuccessful. What strategies are Trump’s legal team still pursuing?
Sarah Jenkins: They’re exploring several avenues. They’ve tried to move the case to federal court, arguing that it would give Trump the authority to dismiss it. They’re also challenging the conviction on technical grounds, like alleging juror misconduct.
Archyde Editor: This legal battle coincides with Trump’s efforts to overturn a separate civil judgment against him for fraud. What’s the argument there?
Sarah Jenkins: His lawyers claim quashing the judgment is necessary “for the greater good of the country” as Trump prepares to return to power. Though,the request was denied.
Archyde Editor: This case raises complex questions about the limitations of presidential power and accountability. Do you see this case setting a precedent for future presidential prosecutions, or is it an isolated incident? What are your thoughts?
**Sarah Jenkins:** This case is truly unprecedented, and its implications are far-reaching. Only time will tell how it shapes the legal landscape surrounding presidential conduct.
Archyde Editor: Sarah Jenkins, thank you for sharing your insights. We’ll continue to follow these legal battles closely and provide updates as they unfold.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. Do you believe Trump’s conviction should stand? How do you think this case will impact future presidential administrations? Let’s keep the conversation going.
## Archyde Exclusive: Legal Expert Breaks Down Trump’s Hush Money Conviction
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**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde After Dark. Tonight,we’re diving deep into the legal drama engulfing former President Donald Trump.
Just hours ago, a New York judge dealt a critically important blow to Trump’s legal team, rejecting his plea for immunity in the hush money case. This means Trump’s felony conviction for orchestrating hush money payments stands. With us tonight to unpack this complex case is renowned legal analyst, Professor Sarah Jenkins. Professor Jenkins, thanks for being here.
**professor Jenkins:** Happy to be here.
**Host:** Now, Professor, for our viewers who may be unfamiliar with the specifics of this case, could you break down the essence of the charges against Trump and the judge’s recent decision?
**Professor Jenkins:** Certainly. This case revolves around payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign.Trump’s then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid Daniels $130,000 to keep quiet about an alleged affair with Trump.
The prosecution argued, and the jury agreed, that these payments constituted a campaign finance violation – essentially an illegal contribution to Trump’s campaign.Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts related to this scheme.
As for today’s ruling, Judge Juan Merchan firmly rejected Trump’s argument that his presidential immunity shields him from these convictions. While the Supreme Court has granted broad immunity for official presidential actions, Judge Merchan emphasized that this case revolved around “unofficial conduct” – actions taken for personal gain, not in the execution of his presidential duties.
**Host:** It’s quite a landmark decision, isn’t it? What are the potential ramifications for Trump?
**Professor Jenkins:** Absolutely. this ruling sharply increases the likelihood of Trump becoming the first US president to be incarcerated while in office, if he wins the 2024 election.
It also paves the way for potential legal action in other cases stemming from Trump’s actions, as it weakens his immunity claim in those contexts as well.
**Host:** We know Trump’s legal team is tirelessly battling these charges.What avenues remain open to them?
**Professor Jenkins:**
They can certainly appeal this decision,but the odds are stacked against them. They could also continue to push for a transfer of the case to federal court, arguing for Trump’s presidential authority to intervene once back in office. But that strategy faces significant legal hurdles.
Moreover, they may try to delay the sentencing process indefinitely, hoping for a change in the political landscape or a favorable outcome in their appeals.
**Host:** This is a captivating legal saga that’s sure to keep unfolding. Professor Jenkins, thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on this complex case.
**Professor Jenkins:** My pleasure.
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