Donald Trump lawyers tell judge to overturn porn star hush money conviction

Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has submitted a formal request to a judge in Manhattan, urging them to overturn his conviction related to hush money paid to a porn star. The lawyers argued that continuing the case would cause unconstitutional disruptions to the presidency as Trump prepares to return to the White House. They highlighted the national mandate given to Trump by the American people in the recent election as grounds for dismissal.

The defence team also pointed to President Joe Biden’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, suggesting that it set a precedent for selective and unfair prosecution. The Manhattan district attorney was accused of engaging in political theatre similar to what President Biden had condemned. The prosecutors have until December 9 to respond, with discussions potentially delaying sentencing until after Trump’s proposed second term ends in 2029.

Judge Juan M Merchan previously postponed Trump’s sentencing and halted proceedings following his election victory. Trump has been battling to reverse the conviction, which revolves around concealing a payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to suppress allegations that could have affected his 2016 campaign. The defence team maintains Trump’s innocence and plans to appeal the verdict if necessary.

The defence filing highlights the significance of dismissing the case, as it would absolve Trump of a criminal record and potential prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and then re-elected to office, adding complexity to the legal proceedings.

Judge Merchan has yet to make a decision, leaving the possibility of upholding the verdict, delaying sentencing, or awaiting a federal appeals court ruling on the case’s jurisdiction. The development comes amidst a flurry of legal arguments and political intricacies as Trump seeks exoneration before his term in office begins.

In summary, the legal battle surrounding Donald Trump’s hush money conviction continues to unfold, with his lawyers pushing for a dismissal based on constitutional concerns and recent precedents. The case poses a unique challenge due to Trump’s political status and the implications of a former president being convicted of a crime. The upcoming decisions by the judge and prosecutors will have significant ramifications for Trump’s political future and legal standing.