President Donald Trump appealed his criminal conviction related to hush money payments in New York. He has brought on a new team of attorneys to represent him in this appeal process.
The big picture: Trump’s new legal team from law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, led by Robert Giuffra, submitted a notice of appeal to begin the process of appealing the 34-count felony conviction.
- According to Giuffra, President Trump’s appeal is not only crucial for Trump himself but also for upholding the rule of law and New York’s reputation as a global business and legal center.
The backstory: In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels in 2016. The payment was intended to influence the presidential election that year.
What we’re watching: Trump’s legal team is aiming to dismiss the case entirely, emphasizing the misuse of criminal law by the Manhattan DA as setting a dangerous precedent.
Zoom in: Trump’s main trial attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, are transitioning to key positions at the Justice Department if confirmed. Bove has been serving as the acting deputy attorney general.
- The appeal process will now proceed to the Appellate Division First Department, where Trump’s case will be reviewed in due course.