Donald Trump faces New York pre-sentencing probation interview remotely on Monday
Multiple media reports indicate that former President Donald Trump will undergo his pre-sentencing interview with the New York City Probation Department on Monday in connection with his criminal hush money case. The interview comes after Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records by Judge Juan Merchan.
As part of the standard process in New York, a probation report is prepared ahead of sentencing, and this includes a probation interview. Typically, a probation department officer, social worker, or psychologist conducts the interview, reviewing the individual’s criminal record and gathering pertinent information. This report can assist the judge in determining sentencing, including factors such as remorse.
NBC News, ABC News, and the New York Times, among other sources, have reported that the interview will take place virtually on Monday, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a former prosecutor, highlighted the significance of the probation interview and its potential impact on sentencing. She noted that probation usually makes a recommendation based on various factors, including remorse, compliance with questions, and other substantive areas.
Trump was convicted of falsifying records in connection with his involvement in a scheme to unlawfully interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors argued that Trump conspired to withhold information from the American voting public, including through a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.
In a recent ruling, Judge Merchan allowed Trump’s defense lawyer Todd Blanche to be present during the probation interview. While prosecutors did not object to this arrangement, some New York City legal defense groups expressed concerns about potential disparities in the justice system, particularly regarding Trump’s ability to have legal representation during the interview.
Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, with potential penalties ranging from probation to several years in prison.