A probation interview following former President Trump’s conviction in the hush-money case is scheduled for Monday, according to a source familiar with the plans.
This interview is a standard part of the sentencing process for convicted felony defendants in New York state courts, and the probation officer will ultimately prepare a report to inform the judge’s sentencing decision.
Trump will conduct the interview online from Palm Beach, Florida, the sources added.
This event first NBC News.
The interview came less than two weeks after a New York jury found Trump guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal hush money payments intended to illegally influence the 2016 presidential election. It was the first criminal conviction of a former US president, although Trump has vowed to appeal.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the recent trial, said on Friday The request was granted The court asked Todd Blanche, Trump’s lead lawyer in the case, to be present during his client’s questioning, a request that the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) did not oppose.
Shortly after the sentence was handed down in court, Judge Marchan confirmed that Trump would be scheduled for a probation interview.
“I will order a probation report,” Marchant said. “Blanche, the clerk of court will give you instructions on how to schedule your interview and receive your probation report.”
As part of the report, New York probation officials will collect information about Trump’s criminal history (he has no criminal convictions), employment history and financial situation. State law also requires that the report also include findings about the defendant’s “physical and mental condition,” if available.
Trump’s sentence is scheduled for July 11. His defense team has said they plan to ask the judge not to jail the former president, because most first-time offenders convicted of his crimes do not receive any prison time. Appeals could delay the judge’s sentencing.
Asked to comment on the probation interviews, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Chang called the case a “witch hunt.”
“President Trump and his legal team are already taking the necessary steps to challenge and thwart the Manhattan District Attorney’s lawless lawsuit. The American people will not be fooled by Biden’s orchestrated hoax and will hold Crooked Joe and his cohorts accountable this fall,” Chang said in a statement.
