Trump's Lawyers Seek Dismissal Of President's Criminal Conviction

President Donald Trump's lawyers recently petitioned a New York appeals court to invalidate his criminal conviction for falsifying business records, arguing that the evidence was insufficient. They contended before the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division that the trial court incorrectly rejected their theory of presidential immunity for official acts. The defense lawyers also asserted that the conviction must be dismissed due to the trial judge's refusal to recuse himself, citing political contributions to Trump's opponents and disqualifying family conflicts. Trump was convicted in 2024 of falsifying business records while campaigning for president. Following his subsequent election victory, Justice Juan Merchan imposed a sentence without jail time or fines, referencing legal protections for the presidential office. Trump's lawyers now argue that jurors improperly considered testimony about his official acts, including social media statements and alleged discussions with the attorney general regarding federal campaign regulations. They cited a 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision granting presidents immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. This ruling stated that scrutinizing official conduct to secure a conviction, even on unofficial charges, defeats the intended effect of immunity. A spokesperson for Trump demanded the immediate overturning and dismissal of the case, citing the Supreme Court's immunity decision and other legal precedents. They emphasized that President Trump will continue to combat what they term Democrat weaponization.