A New York appeals court judge rejected Donald Trump’s request to delay this week’s sentencing in his hush-money case.
The US president-elect is set to be sentenced on Friday after being convicted by a New York jury in May of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment to porn star, Stormy Daniels.
Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer turned down Trump lawyer’s arguments that the sentencing should be postponed while the president-elect appeals his conviction.
The lawyers also pointed out that the immunity from prosecution granted to a president should be extended to a president-elect but Gesmer rejected the arguments
“After consideration of the papers submitted and the extensive oral argument, movant’s application for an interim stay is denied,” she said.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that Trump, who is in his second mission as US President, would be sworn in on January 20.
He can appeal the judge’s decision to the full appellate court bench and potentially up to the Supreme Court.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the hush money case, has given Trump the option of appearing either in person or virtually at Friday’s sentencing.
Merchan has also said he was not inclined to impose jail time on the former and future president.
Trump lashed out at Merchan during a press conference on Tuesday, calling him a “crooked judge” and complaining about a gag order issued in the case.