Trump says he will meet with probation officer before sentencing in corruption case

Donald Trump said Monday he will be interviewed by a probation officer ahead of his sentencing next month in connection with his historic conviction on charges stemming from bribes paid to a porn star.

In a fundraising email to his supporters, the Republican presidential candidate wrote: “I am about to speak to a probation officer following my FRAUDULENT CONVICTION!”

Trump has not said when the meeting will take place.

In the first criminal trial of a former US president, a Manhattan jury last month found Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment made by his former lawyer Michael Cohen to the adult film actress Stormy Daniels for her silence before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says she had a decade earlier.

Trump denies the encounter and has vowed to appeal the verdict after his July 11 sentencing hearing before Judge Juan Merchan. Trump called the charges, brought by Democratic Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a partisan attempt to interfere in his campaign.

A probation officer’s report is intended to give the sentencing judge a holistic view of the defendant’s circumstances and life to help decide whether a prison sentence or an alternative such as probation is appropriate, Duncan Levin said , New York defense attorney and former Manhattan prosecutor.

In a typical interview, the officer will ask the defendant about his family, childhood circumstances, immigration status, and any drug use to compile a report to give judges context that may not have been revealed earlier in the case.

Those details are less relevant in this case because Trump’s biographical details are already widely known, Levin said.

“The judge is already very knowledgeable about who this particular defendant is,” Levin said.

The probation officer’s recommendation is just one of the factors judges consider when determining punishment for criminal defendants. Prosecutors and defense lawyers also recommend sentences.

Merchan signed an order Friday allowing Trump’s defense attorney, Todd Blanche, to be present during the interview. This is common, Levin said.

For defendants convicted in the past of criminal falsification of business records, punishments such as probation or fines are more common, but prison sentences are not unheard of.

One factor Merchan might consider is Trump’s decision to take his case to court. Although every criminal defendant has the right to do so, judges generally look favorably on people who admit guilt and express remorse.

Trump also faces three other criminal cases stemming from efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden and his handling of classified government documents after leaving the White House in 2021. He has pleaded not guilty in those cases, none of which are foreseen. come to trial before the Nov. 5 election.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.