Article Summary –
Judge Juan M. Merchan is preparing to oversee the criminal trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding hush money allegations. Trump and his lawyers have accused Merchan of bias, citing his daughter’s role as a political consultant for Democrats and Merchan’s own small donations to Democratic causes. Despite Trump’s public criticism and calls for his recusal, Merchan has expressed his commitment to justice and is preparing for an “intense” trial, recently delaying the trial until at least mid-April due to a last-minute evidence dump.
Judge Juan M. Merchan Prepares for Trump’s Hush Money Trial
Judge Juan M. Merchan, who may potentially preside over the criminal trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s hush money case, was recently engaged in lesser-known cases in Manhattan’s Mental Health Court. Despite Trump labeling Merchan a “Trump-hating” judge, Merchan continues to handle his roles impartially and professionally, despite receiving numerous death threats.
The trial, however, has been postponed until at least mid-April due to a last-minute evidence submission. Merchan acknowledges the preparation for this historic trial as “intense” but remains dedicated to ensuring justice is served.
Merchan’s Professional Journey
Merchan, a Colombian immigrant who grew up in New York, has an impressive professional trajectory. From working his way through college to serving as a state lawyer and Manhattan prosecutor, he now presides over cases involving a range of crimes including murder, rape, and investment fraud. Over the years, Merchan has handled high-profile cases and, in the last three years, cases involving Trump’s company, its former finance chief Allen Weisselberg, and Trump himself.
Trump, who has pleaded not guilty to altering business records to hide a 2016 effort to suppress claims of extramarital affairs, has accused Merchan of bias. Trump’s defense team has argued Merchan influenced Weisselberg’s plea deal. However, Merchan and prosecutors refute these allegations, labeling them as inaccurate and misleading.
Merchan’s daughter’s political consultancy work for Democrats and his $35 donation to Democratic causes in 2020, including $15 to current President Joe Biden, have also been brought up by Trump’s lawyers. Despite these claims, an ethics panel deemed that Merchan could remain on the case, and Merchan has assured his ability to be fair and impartial.
Lawyer Roger Stavis describes Merchan as a self-confident judge who commands his courtroom without being overbearing. According to Stavis, Merchan won’t be provoked or bullied.
Merchan’s Role in Mental Health Court
In addition to his pending role in Trump’s trial, Merchan reserves time for other cases, specifically maintaining Wednesdays for Mental Health Court and a Veterans’ docket. Currently, the Mental Health Court handles almost 70 cases, with nearly 100 participants successfully completing the program between 2014 and 2021.
Merchan’s involvement with the Mental Health Court allows him to see people through a different lens than he would when only presiding over criminal cases. He takes great interest in the participants’ progress and provides encouragement and support, reinforcing his commitment to his profession and to justice.
Note: This article was contributed by Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak.
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