President-elect Donald Trump has filed a request with a New York court to dismiss his conviction for hush money payments before his scheduled sentencing on January 10, just ten days prior to the presidential inauguration. 

In May, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to an alleged scheme to conceal a hush money payment made to adult actress Stormy Daniels during the final weeks of his 2016 presidential campaign. 

Trump's spokesperson condemned the case as "lawless" and a "witch hunt," echoing the former president's claims of political persecution. As the 78-year-old prepares for another campaign for the presidency, his legal team has previously argued for the dismissal of the verdict, citing presidential immunity.

This latest request to a state appeals court is seen as a last-ditch effort by Trump to halt the sentencing process, which was ordered by Judge Juan Merchan after rejecting the defense's plea to postpone it while they appealed two of his earlier rulings that upheld the Manhattan jury’s guilty verdict.

Judge Merchan indicated that he is unlikely to impose jail time for Trump, suggesting that a sentence of unconditional discharge may be the most practical resolution. Such a sentence would affirm guilt without imposing a fine or probation, allowing Trump to proceed with preparations for his inauguration. 

As the situation unfolds, Trump's legal challenges continue to capture national attention, raising significant questions about the implications for his political future. Sky news