Former President Donald Trump is set to be interviewed by New York probation officials on Monday in preparation for his July sentencing following his criminal hush money case, according to reports.
Trump will sit for a virtual interview from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, three people familiar with the plan told the Associated Press.
One of Trump’s lawyers, Todd Blanche, will be present for the interview even though in New York, people convicted of crimes usually meet probation officials without their attorneys. However, the judge in Trump’s case, Juan Merchan, said in a letter on Friday that he would allow Blance to join the meeting.
The pre-sentencing probation interview is meant to prepare a report that will tell the judge more about the defendant and help determine the proper punishment for the crime. It also allows the defendant a chance to explain why they feel they deserve a lighter punishment.
Trump was found guilty by the jury on all 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the lead up to the 2016 presidential election.
