Former US President Donald Trump asked the judge in his New York hush money case not to pronounce his sentence before the presidential election in November, the Associated Press reported, as quoted by BTA.
In a letter published today, Todd Blanche – the former president's lawyer and current GOP candidate suggested that Trump's sentencing, which is expected to be read on September 18 – seven weeks before the presidential elections, may affect their results.
Blanche wrote that the delay in sentencing would give Trump time to consider his next steps, as the judge in the case, Juan Mercan, is expected to rule on the defense's request to overturn the verdict and dismiss the case because of the ruling on Sept. 16. of the US Supreme Court in July on presidential immunity.
„There is no reason to keep hurrying,”, writes Blanche. He sent the letter to Merchan yesterday after the judge rejected the defense's latest request to withdraw from the case.
In the letter, Blanche repeated defense arguments that the judge was in a conflict of interest because his daughter worked as a political consultant for the Democratic Party, including for Kamala Harris' campaign as she sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Mr. Harris will now face Trump.
By delaying sentencing until after the election, “the court will reduce, if not eliminate, questions of integrity in any future proceedings,” Blanche wrote.
Merchan, who said he believes in his ability to remain impartial, has not yet responded to that request.