Donald Trump’s Pitch Interview Complete: What We Know

Donald Trump has completed his mandatory pre-trial interview following his criminal conviction in New York, according to reports.

The former president was scheduled to appear Monday for a virtual interview with a New York City probation officer, according to his attorney, Todd Blanche. The meeting is part of the sentencing process for Trump’s conviction on 34 counts last month, with the former president found guilty of falsifying business records in a secret 2016 payment to the star of adult cinema Stormy Daniels.

A person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press (AP) that Trump’s meeting lasted less than 30 minutes and involved “routine, uneventful questions and answers.” The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The context

Trump sat down for the virtual interview from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Some legal experts raised questions that it was unusual for presentation meetings to be held virtually, but added that it might be easier for the court, given the additional security measures involved during a meeting with a former president. News week Previously reported.

According to attorney Michael McAuliffe, the presentation meetings allow the defendant to establish a relationship with the probation officer who will write a report to the presiding judge before a sentencing decision is made.

McAuliffee said News week However, earlier Monday, Trump “may simply not care what impression he makes on the officer or the court.”

What we know

New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over Trump’s hush money case, scheduled the former president’s sentencing for July 11. In addition to the probation officer’s report, both parties in the case will also have the opportunity to submit their own report. documents to Merchant with recommendations for Trump’s punishment.

Each count against the former president constitutes a Class E nonviolent felony, meaning Trump could be punished with a fine and up to five years in prison under the law of New York State. It is unclear how severe Merchan’s sentence will be, although legal experts have said it is unlikely Trump will receive any prison time, given that he is a first-time offender and that the imprisonment of a former president poses security problems.

Trump has vowed to appeal his guilty verdict after sentencing and maintains his innocence of all crimes. He also repeatedly accused prosecutors of trying to hurt his re-election chances in November by launching a secret indictment and other legal action against him.

Views

A handful of online observers complained before Trump’s meeting that the former president appeared to be getting “special treatment” as a convicted felon by being allowed to conduct the interview online. Trump was also allowed to have his lawyer present during the meeting, which is not standard practice.

A group of four Manhattan public defenders criticized the hosting of Trump’s probation meeting in a statement released Monday, writing that the state’s probation department must “ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their income, status or social class, receive the same pre-conviction penalty.” opportunities.”

“All people convicted of crimes should have the right to an attorney during their probation interview, not just billionaires,” the statement read, according to AP. “This is just another example of our two-tiered justice system.”

News week Trump’s press team emailed late Monday evening seeking additional information regarding his probation meeting.

And after

Trump’s defense team is expected to submit its recommendations on the former president’s sentencing by Thursday. His conviction on July 11 comes just four days before the Republican National Convention meets to select the presidential candidate in November. Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee.