Trump asked the court to postpone the sentence before the inauguration

Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers said the filing of the appeal should end the criminal proceedings against him in the New York case.

The ruling has been repeatedly delayed by the 2024 presidential election and Trump’s attempt to dismiss the case based on his claim of presidential immunity. Justice Merchan ultimately rejected the immunity argument in December.

On Jan. 3, Justice Merchan issued an order stating that the sentence would remain in effect before Trump took office, but wrote that he would not consider any jail time.

He ordered Trump to attend the hearings virtually or in person.

“The American people elected President Trump with an overwhelming mandate demanding an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and all remaining Witch Hunts,” said Steven Cheung, a spokesman for Trump’s presidential transition.

Trump’s team has not said whether the president-elect will be in court, but the Manhattan district attorney’s office cited “the defendant’s decision to appear for sentencing virtually rather than in person” in a response to the stay request Monday afternoon. . The reference to virtual auditions was repeated a few pages later.

In response, the district attorney asked the judge to deny Trump’s request for an immediate stay of the sentence, arguing that such a decision would not prejudice him.

Several weeks after the election, numerous legal documents were filed by both Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case, and Trump’s legal team.

Bragg’s office previously said they would not oppose Trump’s sentencing until four years into his term.

But after Justice Merchan decided to continue the sentencing, Bragg asked the judge to continue the sentencing on Friday.

In his order last week, Justice Merchan wrote that it is “the firm belief of this court that only by bringing this matter to an end” will the legal issue at play be resolved.

However, the judge left the door open for Trump to appeal the sentence, writing that he “should be allowed to pursue every available remedy.”