Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to be interviewed by New York probation officials on Monday, a necessary step before his July sentencing in his criminal hush money case, according to sources familiar with the plan. The interview will be conducted via video conference from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump’s lawyer, Todd Blanche, will attend the interview, a deviation from the norm as defendants usually meet probation officials without legal representation. However, Judge Juan Merchan has permitted Blanche’s presence.
The pre-sentencing probation interview aims to compile a report for the judge, offering insights into the defendant’s background and possibly influencing the sentencing decision. These reports typically include personal history, criminal record, employment information, and recommendations for sentencing. It also provides defendants an opportunity to argue for leniency.
Trump was convicted of falsifying business records at his company as part of a scheme to silence individuals with potentially damaging stories during the 2016 presidential campaign. This included a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, who alleged an affair with Trump, a claim he denies. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, maintains his innocence, arguing that the case is politically motivated to hinder his 2024 presidential bid.
Trump’s campaign spokesman, Steven Cheung, criticized the legal actions as politically driven efforts by President Joe Biden’s Democratic allies to interfere in the election. Trump and his legal team plan to challenge the Manhattan DA’s case.
Judge Merchan has set Trump’s sentencing for July 11, with potential penalties ranging from probation and community service to up to four years in prison.
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