A Manhattan jury convicted Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in May 2024, making him the first former U.S. president convicted of a crime.
The charges stemmed from a $130,000 payment to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, arranged by Michael Cohen in the final days of the 2016 campaign.
Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump in January 2025 to an unconditional discharge, meaning no jail, probation, or fine, but the conviction remained on his record.
Trump's legal team argues the 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. United States on presidential immunity tainted the trial because prosecutors introduced evidence from his time in office.
The appeal is being heard by New York's Appellate Division, First Department; any ruling can be further appealed to New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals.