Trump appeals hush money conviction as new legal team moves in – Washington Examiner
Former President Donald Trump has initiated an appeal against his felony conviction related to a $130,000 hush money payment made during the 2016 election. He has brought in a new legal team from the prestigious firm Sullivan and Cromwell to represent him in this case.The appeal stems from a conviction involving 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump’s lead attorney, Robert Giuffra, emphasized the meaning of the case for the rule of law and warned that the prosecution represents a risky precedent.
Previously, trump’s former attorneys transitioned to prominent roles in his governance, while Boris Epshteyn continues to coordinate his legal strategy. trump’s new team will also handle ongoing appeals in a civil fraud case where he has been ordered to pay $454 million. The appeal will be reviewed by the Appellate Division, Frist Department, which had previously dismissed his pretrial appeals. Although experts suggest that relief in New York courts may be unlikely, this process could eventually lead to an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Trump appeals hush money conviction as new legal team moves in
President Donald Trump has appealed his New York hush money conviction, enlisting a new legal team from elite law firm Sullivan and Cromwell to lead the effort.
A notice of appeal, dated Tuesday, marks the beginning of the appeals process for Trump’s 34-count felony conviction for falsifying business records in connection with a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump sought to toss out the conviction before his inauguration, a move that was discouraged by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and rejected by the presiding judge.
The five-attorney team will be led by Robert Giuffra, Sullivan and Cromwell’s co-chairman who characterized the appeal as a critical test for the rule of law and the integrity of New York’s legal and financial institutions.
“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 said in a statement.
“The misuse of the criminal law by the Manhattan DA to target President Trump sets a dangerous precedent, and we look forward to the case being dismissed on appeal,” he told Fox News.
Giuffra will be joined by four other high-profile attorneys — Matthew Schwartz, James McDonald, Jeffrey Wall, and Morgan Ratner — all former Supreme Court clerks with extensive appellate litigation experience.
Shake-up in Trump’s legal team
The move to Sullivan and Cromwell comes as Trump’s previous attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, transition to key roles in his administration. Blanche has been nominated as deputy attorney general, while Bove currently serves as acting deputy attorney general, pending Senate confirmation. John Sauer, another former Trump attorney, has been tapped to serve as solicitor general.
Boris Epshteyn, a longtime Trump legal adviser, will remain in his role as senior counsel, coordinating the president’s legal strategy across multiple cases.
Trump’s new team will also handle his appeals in the civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. That case resulted in a $454 million judgment against Trump and his business empire, which remains pending before a New York appeals court.
Appeal process and legal uncertainty
Trump’s legal team will now take their case to the Appellate Division, First Department — the same court that rejected his pretrial appeals. However, with sentencing now complete, the appeals court will review the case in full.
George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley posted on X: “The appeal of Trump’s criminal conviction has finally begun with the filing of the notice of appeal today.”
“While expectations are not particularly high for relief in the NY court system, this process moves the case closer to an appeal to the Supreme Court,” Turley added.
Trump managed to delay his sentencing until after the election, and Judge Juan Merchan sentenced him to an unconditional discharge — imposing no jail time, fines, or probation. The conviction remains on Trump’s record, however, and his attorneys are seeking to have it thrown out entirely.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Meanwhile, in Trump’s civil fraud case, New York appeals court judges appeared receptive last year to the possibility of reducing or overturning the financial penalty.
Trump has repeatedly claimed both the criminal and civil cases against him are politically motivated. His new legal team is expected to resume the work left by his old legal team in New York courtrooms as the president settles into his second term.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...