Islam Times - New York judge Delays Trump's Case Over Porn Star

Islam Times - A New York judge has delayed the sentencing in Donald Trump’s hush money case and allowed the United States president-elect to argue to dismiss the conviction before he takes office on January 20.

Judge Juan Merchan on Friday canceled a sentencing hearing set for Tuesday without setting a new date.

Both prosecutors and defense lawyers have sought to pause proceedings in the case to deal with the unprecedented legal situation: sentencing an incoming president on a criminal conviction.

Merchan also ruled that Trump’s team may file a motion to dismiss the case. Prosecutors said they would oppose scrapping the conviction.

Trump was found guilty in May on all 34 charges of falsifying business records about hush money payments made to porn star Stormy Daniels to cover up an alleged sexual encounter before the 2016 presidential election.

In his order, Merchan wrote: “The joint application for a stay of sentencing is granted to the extent that the November 26, 2024 date is adjourned.”

Trump is the first US president to enter the White House while convicted of a crime.