top line
Former President Donald Trump told a New York judge on Monday that he could falsify business records to pay “hush money” until the Supreme Court completes its review of whether he has presidential immunity in a separate criminal case. He requested that the start of a scheduled criminal trial on the charges be postponed.
important facts
In the complaint, Trump's lawyers say the charges brought against the former president focus on how Trump repaid fees paid to his former lawyer Michael Cohen. , argued that it would be relevant if the Supreme Court next sides with Trump because it relates to conduct that occurred while he was in office. The moon may fall under presidential privilege.
The hush money trial, the first in a criminal case against Trump, is scheduled to begin on March 25 in a New York state court.
Points to note
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on President Trump's request for presidential immunity on April 25, and could rule any time thereafter.
tangent
Last week, Judge Juan Mercian ruled that the identities of jurors hearing “hush money” cases would be kept secret due to “bribery, jury tampering, and the potential for physical injury or harassment of jurors.” It was decided that.
Main background
Almost a year ago, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg indicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in connection with payments made during the 2016 presidential campaign. President Trump repaid $130,000 to Cohen as payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump, and misclassified the repayment as a legal payment. accused of suspicion. Trump has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The Manhattan case joins three other charges against Mr. Trump, including trying to overturn the 2020 election in federal court by mishandling classified records and trying to overturn his Georgia loss in state court in Atlanta. It has not received as much attention as the indictment. But other cases have suffered various delays, and Mr. Bragg's case is scheduled to go to trial first, likely making it the only Trump criminal indictment to be decided before the November election. .
amazing facts
If President Trump were found guilty and sentenced to the maximum penalty on all charges, he could face 136 years in prison, but legal experts say that is unlikely and the judge will not impose any prison term at all. He said there is a possibility that he will not impose the same. Trump could be fined up to $170,000.
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