New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has set the sentencing hearing for July 11.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has not disclosed whether prosecutors will seek a prison sentence for former President Donald Trump following a guilty verdict on May 30.
At a press conference held shortly after the jury convicted the former president, Bragg stated, “While this defendant may be unlike any other in American history, we arrived today at this trial and ultimately this verdict in the same manner as every other case that comes through the courtroom doors.”
Regarding sentencing, Bragg declined to provide specific details, mentioning that their arguments will be presented to the court through motions and during the hearing.
“I did my job. Our job is to follow the facts without fear or favor,” Bragg responded to a query. “What I feel is gratitude to be able to work alongside phenomenal public servants who do that each and every day.”
“I did my job, we did our job,” he continued. “Many voices out there; the only voice that matters is the voice of the jury, and the jury has spoken.”
After deliberations on the second day, 12 jurors delivered a unanimous verdict on 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree, a class E felony that could result in a fine, jail time, or probation.
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While the jury does not determine sentencing, the judge does. New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan has scheduled the sentencing hearing for July 11, with a deadline of June 13 for motions to be filed by the parties.
At the same time, a gag order still prevents President Trump from discussing the case’s parties and testimonies, and defense lawyers have appealed the order to the state’s highest court.
Trump Addresses the Verdict
President Trump remained composed as the jury delivered the guilty verdict, and his attorneys immediately sought judgment.
“We’re moving for judgment,” stated defense attorney Todd Blanche. “There’s no basis and there’s no way this jury could have reached a verdict without accepting the testimony of Mr. Cohen.”
“There is no evidence that had any connection to the charged offense and President Trump, and the only connection is Michael Cohen,” he emphasized.
Justice Merchan promptly denied the motion.
Outside the courtroom, President Trump maintained his innocence.
“This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be on November 5 by the people, and they know what happened here and everyone knows what happened here,” he asserted.
“We didn’t do a thing wrong,” he insisted. “I’m a very innocent man.”
“And it’s OK. I’m fighting for our country, I’m fighting for our Constitution,” he added.
Michael Washburn contributed to this report.
