Trump appeals conviction, hires top law firm for legal fight
Donald Trump is starting another legal battle as he seeks to overturn a conviction for document falsification related to payments. This conviction made Trump the first American president to be convicted of a crime.
On January 10, just before the presidential inauguration, a court in New York convicted Donald Trump of committing 34 offences related to concealing the hush money payment to Stormy Daniels.
Judge Juan Merchan, however, decided on "unconditional discharge" for Trump. This means he was officially convicted at the first instance, but he did not receive a prison sentence, probation, or a fine.
According to the law, Trump has one month to appeal the verdict. And, according to American media reports, he intends to take advantage of this option. He does not want to be 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 had to hire a new team to prepare the appeal.
This time, he chose the well-known 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.
