Attorneys for former President Donald Trump filed notice on Monday that they’re appealing the $464 million civil fraud judgment against him and his company. The First Judicial Appellate Division will hear the case to determine whether Trump can have the penalty dismissed.
In the filing, Trump’s attorneys request that an appeals court determine whether New York Judge Arthur Engoron “committed errors of law and/or fact, and whether he abused his discretion and/or acted in excess of his jurisdiction” when he handed down the massive judgment against Trump and his company on January 16th. The $464 million figure includes the prejudgment interest that accrued on Engoron’s more than $350 million award against Trump and the Trump Organization. The order also bars Trump from running any New York businesses for three years.
Trump attorney Alina Habba said in a statement: “We trust that the Appellate Division will overturn this egregious fine and take the necessary steps to restore the public faith in New York’s legal system.” The appeal was filed along with Trump’s co-defendants – his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., as well as various Trump Organization entities and two executives.
Last week, Judge Engoron refused a requested from Trump’s attorneys to delay enforcing the penalty, which totals $355 million plus interest for 30 days, to protect his appellate rights. Engoron said: “You have failed to explain, much less justify any basis for a stay. I am confident that the Appellate Division will protect your appellate rights.” In addition, Engoron’s ruling calls for an independent financial monitor for the Trump Organization, and said that the two elder sons of the former president, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, cannot do business in New York for two years and both have been ordered to pay $4 million each in restitution.
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