This doesn't mean the sentencing will be delayed. Judge Merchan, as vicious and stupid a partisan as exists, can still, on his own dubious authority, insist that the sentencing take place just in time to #FortifytheElection.
But that's going to be more difficult when the prosecuting attorney doesn't oppose Trump's motion to delay.
Still, with Merchan's daughter making millions on this farce, I wouldn't put it past Merchan to reject Trump's motion.
DA Alvin Bragg's office announced it would not oppose Trump's request to push his sentencing date, leaving the final decision to Judge Juan Merchan.
Trump's legal team argues that sentencing on Sept. 18th, just weeks before the election, would constitute election interference and is seeking a delay.
The defense is also exploring appeals based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, claiming it could impact the case.
Diving Deeper:
According to a report from POLITICO, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has chosen not to oppose former President Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in the New York criminal case until after the upcoming November election. The decision on whether to grant this delay now lies with New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan.
In a letter addressed to Merchan and dated August 16th, Bragg's office, represented by Assistant District Attorneys including Matthew Colangelo, indicated that they would "defer to the Court on the appropriate post-trial schedule that allows for adequate time to adjudicate defendant's motion while also pronouncing sentence 'without reasonable delay.'" The letter became public on Monday.
The former president's legal team, including lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, submitted their own letter to the court on Thursday, arguing that holding the sentencing as scheduled on September 18th would be tantamount to election interference, given that it is set just seven weeks before Election Day. They requested that the sentencing be postponed until after the election, allowing Trump to consider his next legal steps after Judge Merchan's expected ruling on September 16th. The defense is seeking to overturn the verdict and dismiss the case, citing a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity, which they argue should apply to Trump's case.
In response, Bragg's office acknowledged that the denial of immunity from prosecution is immediately appealable, but contended that the issue of immunity does not apply in this instance. They emphasized that the only question before the court concerns the admissibility of certain evidence based on a new evidentiary rule derived from the Supreme Court's ruling.
Despite this, Bragg's office stated they would defer to the court on whether to adjourn the sentencing to allow for any necessary appellate litigation, highlighting the significant public safety and logistical preparations required for court appearances in this high-profile case.
Trump's campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, called for the dismissal of the case, labeling it an "Election Interference Witch Hunt" and referencing the Supreme Court's mandate on presidential immunity.
The Soros DA Bragg also just announced that he will be charging a violent, cop-attacking Columbia "protesters" with only a misdemeanor, so that this solid citizen can keep his precious law license.
A professional left-wing activist and trust fund heir who joined Columbia University students in storming and occupying a university building last April also has an active law license in New York, records show. He's set to keep it, too, even if he's convicted on the charge he's facing, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.
James Carlson, who also goes by Cody, burned an Israeli flag, violently stormed Columbia's Hamilton Hall, clashed with a facilities worker, and allegedly broke a police camera while detained. He was arrested on April 20 on a misdemeanor arson charge and again on April 30, the day that New York City police swept Columbia and cleared Hamilton Hall, for burglary, a felony in New York.
By the time Carlson and other Hamilton Hall arrestees attended their June court hearings, however, the Manhattan district attorney's office--led by Alvin Bragg--opted to pursue a reduced charge against Carlson: criminal trespassing, a misdemeanor. As a result, Carlson, a trust fund kid who specializes in animal rights law and lists his $2.3 million Brooklyn townhouse on his active New York attorney registration, faces little risk of losing his license.
Under New York law, a felony conviction is automatic grounds for disbarment. Because Bragg's office only pursued a misdemeanor charge against Carlson, the protester doesn't face that risk. A misdemeanor trespassing conviction could prompt a disciplinary hearing but would not automatically trigger one.
Carlson did not respond to a request for comment. The State of New York Grievance Committee, which handles attorney complaints, referred the Free Beacon to the Office of the Clerk of the Court, which said Carlson "is currently licensed and in good standing."