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According to NBC News, citing anonymous sources, Former President Donald Trump will have his probation interview on Monday following his recent criminal conviction in a hush-money case.
A source familiar with the plans revealed that Trump’s interview, a routine part of the sentencing process for felony defendants in New York state court, will take place virtually from Palm Beach, Florida. The probation officer’s report will play a crucial role in the judge’s sentencing decision.
Judge Juan Merchan, who presided over the trial, approved a request on Friday allowing Trump’s lead defense attorney, Todd Blanche, to attend the probation interview. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, did not object to this request. Following the jury’s decision, Merchan confirmed that Trump would undergo a probation interview, stating, “We will order a probation report.”
The probation report will include Trump’s employment history, economic status, and any prior criminal history, though Trump has none. State law also requires the report to provide information about the defendant’s physical and mental condition, if available. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11. Most first-time offenders facing similar charges do not typically receive jail time, and Trump’s legal team plans to argue against incarceration, while also preparing to appeal and potentially delay any imposed sentence.
In response to the news about the probation interview, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung criticized the case as a “witch hunt” and reaffirmed their commitment to challenging the charges. Cheung stated, “President Trump and his legal team are already taking necessary steps to challenge and defeat the lawless Manhattan DA case. The American People will not fall for the Biden-directed Hoaxes and will hold Crooked Joe and his comrades to account this fall.”
