The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals has denied former President Donald Trump’s request to halt his criminal case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The case stems from Trump’s conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records.
Despite Trump’s legal team arguing for the case to be moved to a federal court under a Supreme Court ruling that grants him immunity for official acts, the district and appellate courts rejected the request.
Judge Juan Merchan delayed sentencing until after the 2024 election, with the sentencing now scheduled for Nov. 26. Trump faces up to 136 years in prison based on the counts he was found guilty of earlier this year.
Trump’s attorneys argued that the current schedule could prevent adequate time for appellate review, but the federal court denied the request for an emergency stay.
Bragg’s office opposed Trump’s motion, stating that the request was unnecessary due to the delayed sentencing. The controversy has surrounded the case, with Trump accusing Merchan of bias due to his political connections and involvement of his daughter in Democratic campaigns.
Merchan had previously denied a request from Trump’s legal team to adjourn the trial, stating that the case fell outside executive authority.
