Trump fights to overturn conviction in Hush Money case
Donald Trump is initiating another legal battle. He seeks to overturn a conviction for document falsification related to hiding payments. This conviction made Trump the first American president to be convicted of a crime.
On January 10, just before the presidential inauguration, a New York court convicted Donald Trump of committing 34 offenses related to concealing a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels.
Judge Juan Merchan, however, ruled for Trump's "unconditional discharge." This means he was officially convicted at the first instance, but he did not receive a prison sentence, probation, or fine.
According to the law, Trump has one month to appeal the verdict, and according to American media reports, he plans to exercise this option. He does not want to be known as the first convicted U.S. president.
He had to find new defenders
Trump appointed his two main defenders, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, to top positions in the justice department of his administration. Therefore, he needed to hire a new team to prepare the appeal.
This time, he selected the renowned law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. The team handling Trump's case is led by the firm's co-owner, Robert J. Giuffra Jr.
On Wednesday, the president's lawyers filed a notice of appeal with the court, requesting the state intermediate appellate court to overturn the conviction.
"President Donald J. Trump’s appeal is important for the rule of law, New York’s reputation as a global business, financial and legal center, as well as for the presidency and all public officials," Giuffra stated in a statement provided by Trump's spokesperson. "The misuse of the criminal law by the Manhattan D.A. to target President Trump sets a dangerous precedent," he added.
