New York judge rejects Trump presidential immunity claim in “hush money” case
President-elect Donald Trump’s criminal conviction in state court remained on the record Monday after a New York judge rejected Trump’s effort to throw out the case based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Judge Juan Melchan found July Supreme Court ruling Granting President Trump immunity from official conduct does not prevent a jury from convicting him following a criminal trial this spring.
Merchant wrote that the evidence presented at the trial “related entirely to unofficial conduct.”
“If an error was made in introducing the challenged evidence, such error would be harmless given the overwhelming evidence of guilt,” Merchian wrote.
businessman was A ruling is scheduled for November 12 But he delayed a decision on whether presidential immunity should prevent jurors from seeing certain evidence in Trump’s trial this spring. Merchian said at the time he wanted to hear how prosecutors handled the case, which has entered uncharted territory since Trump was re-elected as president.
Trump has since filed a motion to dismiss the case, saying his impending return to the White House requires it.
Prosecutors in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg opposed the effort, saying there was no legal requirement to dismiss the state case after a conviction because the defendant was elected president.
Trump is the first person in American history to win the presidency after being convicted of a crime. He was also the first former president to serve as president Facing trial for a crime.
one The jury unanimously found him guilty Felony in May. A few weeks later, Supreme Court rules former president immune Immunity from prosecution for official acts. In the decision, the U.S. Supreme Court said evidence related to Trump’s work as president cannot be used at the trial.
Trump’s lawyers argue Supreme Court ruling means convictions should be quashedand the indictment was dismissed. They argued that his trial included testimony from former White House staffers that should have been suppressed.
In opposing the motion to dismiss, Bragg’s office said the challenged testimony represented only a “small portion” of the evidence in the case.
Merchant wrote in his ruling that Trump’s lawyers failed to object during the trial to testimony they considered improper admissions.
jury found Trump committed 34 felonies Plans that authorize concealment of reimbursements Michael Cohenhis former lawyer and fixer. Cohen paid $130,000 to adult film star Stormi DanielsShe remained silent about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump in the days leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
Trump entered a not guilty plea and vehemently denied Daniels’ story. Trump has pledged to appeal the conviction. He can separately appeal Merchants’ ruling on presidential immunity.
