Trump to Have Virtual Probation Interview After Felony Conviction

Former President Donald Trump will participate in a virtual meeting with a New York City probation officer on Monday, as he awaits sentencing for his conviction on 34 felony counts related to his hush money case. This interview, first reported by NBC News, will take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

The court mandates the probation interview before sentencing to gather information about the convicted individual, which the probation officer will then present to the sentencing judge. Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, will be present during this interview.

Convicted on May 30, Trump is a month away from a sentencing hearing, where the potential penalties range from a fine of up to $5,000, house arrest, or up to four years in prison for each of the 34 felony convictions. However, jail time appears unlikely.

Michael Horn, former New York City Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Probation, told NBC News that conducting a probation interview virtually is “highly unusual.” However, he noted that an in-person appearance by Trump could cause significant disruptions.

Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has not disclosed the sentence his office will seek.

Trump made history as the first president convicted of a crime when a New York jury found him guilty of falsifying documents to conceal payments made by his attorney, Michael Cohen, to silence porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Following the trial, Trump and his allies claimed the process was “rigged” and baselessly accused President Biden and his administration of orchestrating his conviction. President Biden dismissed these claims as “reckless” and “irresponsible.” In a Fox News interview, Trump expressed acceptance of possible jail time or house arrest but warned that it could push his supporters to a “breaking point.”