Former President Trump Requests Delay in Enforcing $354 Million Civil Fraud Fine
Former President Donald Trump’s legal team has formally requested Judge Arthur Engoron, overseeing his civil fraud case, to postpone the enforcement of penalties, including a hefty $354 million fine and a temporary prohibition on conducting business activities in New York. This move comes amidst a contentious legal battle following a dispute over the judgment order, a crucial document that initiates the penalty timeline post-trial.
The defendants’ lawyer, Clifford Robert, representing Trump’s interests, petitioned Judge Engoron for a 30-day delay, citing the necessity for an orderly post-judgment process. The request stems from a fundamental disagreement concerning the judgment order’s contents, as New York Attorney General Letitia James submitted a draft judgment, prompting objections from Trump’s legal team.
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Robert argued vehemently against the hasty submission of the attorney general’s proposed judgment, contending that it infringed upon principles of fairness and due process. He emphasized the defendants’ right to present a counter-judgment and raised concerns regarding factual inaccuracies and deviations from standard legal practice in the proposed order.
Responding to Judge Engoron’s request for clarification, Robert underscored the attorney general’s purported rush to finalize the judgment, criticizing the lack of formal motions or settlement discussions. He highlighted apparent errors within the proposed judgment, signaling a need for thorough review and rectification before its formalization.
Given the substantial financial implications at stake, Trump’s legal team emphasized the importance of a judicious and comprehensive judgment process. They urged for a 30-day stay in enforcement if Judge Engoron opts to sign the attorney general’s proposed judgment, asserting that such a delay would not prejudice the attorney general’s interests, considering the ongoing oversight by a court-appointed monitor.
Last week, Judge Engoron adjudged Trump guilty of inflating his net worth to secure favorable loan terms, imposing a staggering $354.8 million fine alongside approximately $100 million in pre-judgment interest. Trump staunchly denies any wrongdoing and intends to challenge the judgment through the appellate process.
In light of these developments, Trump’s legal team reiterates their commitment to upholding his rights within the bounds of the legal framework, emphasizing the need for fair proceedings and adequate time for legal recourse. The pursuit of justice remains paramount as Trump navigates the complexities of his civil fraud case, aiming to safeguard his interests amidst ongoing legal scrutiny and adversarial proceedings.
