Countdown: Trump Awaits Sentencing as Legal Battles Persist

As we approach the inauguration of President Donald Trump, his only remaining active criminal cases are approaching conclusion. Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10 in a New York courtroom by Judge Juan Merchan for the 34 felonies for which a jury found Trump guilty. Judge Merchan has indicated there would be no jail time and no official probation and that the cases would be “unconditionally discharged” – meaning no punishment. However, leading up to the scheduled sentencing, there have been numerous motions filed by Trump’s defense team to dismiss the cases altogether Recently, Judge Merchan has found that the U.S. Supreme Court’s presidential immunity decision does not apply to these cases and even if it did, the other evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelmingly in favor of guilt. Merchan also stated that the defense waived their right to object to the verdicts based upon immunity. Other motions are pending and are expected to be denied. On this episode of Next Witness…Please, our hosts breakdown Judge Merchan’s decisions and explain them in understandable terms. They discuss the concept of “waiver” and “harmless error.” Since the recording of this podcast, Trump’s defense team has asked the trial court to dismiss the case saying that presidential immunity applies to a president-elect. Judge Merchan has denied that motion as has the appellate court in New York. Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene on his behalf and stay the sentencing. A ruling is expected before Jan. 10.