Former President Donald Trump has requested a New York state judge to dismiss the criminal case against him, which resulted in a conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments to a porn star. This request comes in the wake of his recent victory in the US presidential election held on November 5.
In a filing to Justice Juan Merchan in Manhattan, Trump's legal team argued that having the case, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, pending after his inauguration on January 20 would hinder his ability to govern effectively. The defense attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, stated that local officials like D.A. Bragg lack a legitimate reason to create such disruptions.
Trump's nomination of Blanche as deputy attorney-general and Bove as his top deputy during his administration further underscores the urgency of the matter. Justice Merchan had previously postponed Trump's sentencing, originally scheduled for November 26, to allow for a potential dismissal request.
Prosecutors from Bragg's office have agreed to the delay but plan to oppose the dismissal. The judge has yet to indicate when he will rule on Trump's motion or set a new sentencing date. Bragg's office has suggested deferring all proceedings until Trump leaves the White House in 2029, a proposal Trump's lawyers dismissed as 'ridiculous'.
The defense team also referenced President Joe Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, arguing that Biden's selective prosecution stance undermines the Justice Department's integrity. Trump's lawyers have accused Bragg of coordinating with the Biden administration, a claim denied by Attorney-General Merrick Garland.
The case originated from a $130,000 payment made by Trump's former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. A Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records to cover up the reimbursement. This marked the first time a US president, former or sitting, has been convicted or charged with a criminal offense.
Trump pleaded not guilty and faces additional charges in other state and federal cases, all of which he has also denied.
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