In a dramatic turn of events, New York prosecutors have made it clear that they will oppose President-elect Donald Trump's efforts to overturn his recent criminal conviction. However, they have also indicated a willingness to postpone his sentencing until after he completes his presidential term, which runs through 2029.

The Manhattan district attorney's office has requested Justice Juan Merchan to push the deadline for legal motions to December 9. Trump's initial sentencing is set for November 26, but significant delays are now anticipated.

In May, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to an effort to cover up a potential sex scandal that surfaced during his first presidential campaign in 2016. Complicating matters, just weeks later, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that presidents have some immunity from criminal prosecutions concerning their official roles.

Trump's defense team argues that his conviction should be overturned, citing presidential immunity and the timing of his upcoming inauguration. Todd Blanche, one of Trump's lawyers, emphasized the need for an "immediate dismissal of this case," claiming it was necessary per the U.S. Constitution and the Presidential Transition Act. He has requested a deadline of December 20 to submit a comprehensive legal brief.

Prosecutors have countered by asserting that the topics at the heart of their case do not pertain to any official presidential duties. They stressed that the trial took place before the Supreme Court’s ruling that expanded protections for presidents.

Mitchell Epner, a former prosecutor, noted that while the DA wants to delay sentencing, it does not intend to drop the conviction. This view suggests that the legal proceedings could slow down significantly until Trump exits the White House, allowing him to navigate his presidency without immediate legal accountability.

With Trump's inauguration approaching, time is running out for additional legal motions. By January 20, when he takes the oath, any ongoing legal activity will likely be paused. This is pivotal as Trump currently faces four criminal cases, with the New York trial being the only one to yield a guilty verdict thus far.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Trump's spokesman, Steven Cheung, has publicly declared a "total and definitive victory," reflecting the president-elect's staunch confidence.

It remains to be seen how Justice Merchan will respond to the prosecutors’ request. Legal experts like former Manhattan prosecutor Diana Florence believe it is highly unlikely Trump will face sentencing on the scheduled date. "I think there's less than half a percent chance that he'd be sentenced next week," she said, highlighting the judge's potential inclination to accept the defense's proposal.

Trump's range of potential sentences includes fines, probation, or even a four-year prison sentence. However, many experts speculate that he may avoid any punishment altogether.

The charges against Trump began in April 2023 when he was accused of engaging in a hush-money scheme to pay off an adult film star with whom he allegedly had an affair, a move seen as an attempt at election interference given its timing so close to the 2016 election.

Despite Trump’s persistent claims of innocence and allegations of political persecution, a New York jury ultimately found him guilty. As his sentencing hearing continually gets delayed, the future of these legal proceedings intertwines with his political career, raising questions about accountability for elected officials and the historical implications of a sitting president facing criminal charges.

Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding legal saga that could shape the course of the Trump presidency for years to come!