### Judge to Decide Next Steps in Trump's Hush Money Case

Following Donald Trump's recent electoral win, the former president is still on track to be sentenced on November 26 for his conviction earlier this year on 34 felony counts relating to falsifying business records. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has signaled opposition to Trump's bid to dismiss the conviction but has suggested pausing the case.

The District Attorney’s office was required to outline the next steps in the case after Trump's election created what they termed "unprecedented circumstances." Trump's defense team, led by Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, has filed a request for dismissal, arguing that a sitting president enjoys immunity from prosecution. They contend that further proceedings would disrupt the Presidential transition.

Prosecutors counter this claim, asserting that the immunity does not cover conduct undertaken in a private capacity and recommend deferring any further proceedings until Trump leaves office in 2029.

The court filing by the DA's office acknowledges the complex legal questions arising from Trump’s situation but emphasizes the importance of respecting the jury's verdict. Defense attorneys argue that presidential immunity should also apply during the transition period and predict a lengthy appeal process that could drag the case past Inauguration Day.

Judge Juan Merchan holds the authority to determine how the case will proceed. Since July, Trump’s lawyers have been pushing to have the conviction vacated, claiming prosecutors relied on evidence recently ruled inadmissible by the Supreme Court. They also cite the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, which encourages minimizing disruptions to the transition.

Earlier this year, Trump was convicted of paying hush money to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to suppress allegations of a 2006 affair and boost his electoral prospects in 2016, leading to the current legal battles.