President-elect Donald Trump's legal team has been involved in a legal battle to prevent Friday's sentencing hearing from taking place. Despite their efforts, they view the outcome as a significant victory. Trump, who has been convicted of 34 felonies, will receive an unconditional discharge, a penalty considered less severe than a speeding ticket.
Although Trump is displeased with the New York hush money case and the implications of his felony conviction, his lawyers see the sentencing as a necessary step to appeal the conviction. They perceive it as merely 'checking a box' in the legal process.
Trump's legal team considers it a win that he will face no punishments despite being involved in four criminal cases. Two federal cases related to January 6 and mishandling of classified documents have been dismissed. Additionally, a Georgia district attorney has been disqualified in a separate case concerning efforts to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss in the state.
The sentencing hearing on Friday is expected to last approximately 45 minutes. Trump's lawyer, Todd Blanche, will address the court virtually, along with Trump himself. Another lawyer, Emil Bove, will be present in the courtroom.
It remains uncertain whether Trump will speak during the sentencing hearing, as he is participating virtually. The legal team is prepared for the proceedings and views the outcome as a step towards Trump resuming his role as president.
