Donald Trump, who was convicted in New York state, has just completed his mandatory sentencing interview. His attorney, Todd Blanche, mentioned that Trump had a virtual meeting with a probation officer in New York City on Monday. This interview was part of Trump’s sentencing process for the 34 felonies he was convicted of last month. The charges stemmed from falsifying records related to hush-money paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016.
According to a source close to the situation, Trump’s team had a brief meeting that lasted less than thirty minutes with the probation officer, and it was described as having “routine and uninteresting questions and answers.” The source chose to remain anonymous when discussing the details.
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Setting the Scene
Michael McAuliffe points out that pre-sentencing meetings like this one help establish a rapport between the defendant and the probation officer before the judge makes a sentencing decision.
The Lowdown
The sentencing date for the former President is set for July 11 by New York State Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw Trump’s case concerning hush funds. The charges against Trump in New York State are considered Class E Nonviolent Felonies, carrying possible fines and up to 5 years in prison. Merchan is yet to determine the severity of the sentence, but legal experts speculate that imprisonment is unlikely due to Trump being a first-time offender.
Despite his conviction, Trump maintains his innocence and plans to appeal if found guilty. He asserts that the charges are politically motivated to hinder his chances of re-election.
Voices from the Crowd
Prior to Trump’s interview, some critics voiced concerns about what they viewed as preferential treatment for a convicted felon like Trump being granted an online interview. They noted that it was uncommon for Trump’s lawyer to be present during this process.
In response, a group of Manhattan public defenders criticized Trump’s probation meeting, advocating for equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their status. They emphasized the importance of fair procedures in the justice system.
A statement cited by AP read, “Every individual, irrespective of wealth or status, should have legal representation at their probation interviews.” This sentiment underscores a perceived inequality within the legal system.
Up Next
Trump’s legal team is expected to submit their sentencing recommendations by Thursday. The sentencing on July 11, just ahead of the Republican National Convention, holds significance as Trump is the presumptive GOP candidate for the upcoming presidential election in November.