President Donald Trump has formally appealed his hush money conviction, striving to overturn a verdict that positions him as the first person with a criminal record to win the presidency. His legal representation submitted a notice of appeal on Wednesday, requesting the state's mid-level appeals court to set aside his conviction from May, which included 34 counts of falsifying business records. This case, which revolves around an alleged payment scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels during Trump's 2016 campaign, uniquely progressed to trial among his various criminal proceedings.

The filing of the appeal notice initiates the appellate process in New York. Trump's lawyers will have the opportunity to elaborate on their arguments in forthcoming court documents, while the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which prosecuted the case, will be able to file a response. Trump has transitioned to a new legal team from Sullivan & Cromwell LLP for the appeal, led by co-chair Robert J. Giuffra Jr., who stepped in after the previous defense attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, were appointed to prominent roles in his administration's Justice Department.

“President Donald J. Trump’s appeal is crucial for the rule of law, New York’s stature as a global business, financial, and legal center, as well as for the presidency and all public officials,” said Giuffra in a statement provided by a Trump spokesperson. He went on to argue that the use of criminal law by the Manhattan DA to target Trump sets a troubling precedent and expressed optimism about the case’s dismissal on appeal.

Following his sentencing on January 10, Trump received an unconditional discharge, which allowed his conviction to remain on record while avoiding jail time, probation, fines, or any further penalties. The Republican had long expressed his intention to appeal but was unable to do so until after his sentencing. Previously, Judge Juan M. Merchan rejected Trump’s requests to dismiss the conviction on claims of presidential immunity and his potential return to office.

During his sentencing appearance via video, Trump condemned the proceedings as a “political witch hunt” and “an embarrassment to New York.” The Manhattan jury found him guilty of falsifying business records linked to payments made to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, which were falsely categorized as legal fees—allegedly to conceal a $130,000 payment to Daniels made in order to suppress her claims regarding a 2006 encounter, which Trump denies.

Trump has consistently maintained his innocence, with his legal team asserting that the payments to Cohen should be viewed as valid legal expenses. “For this I got indicted,” Trump remarked during his sentencing, expressing disbelief at the charges against him. His lawyers further argued that Trump's intent was to protect his family from false allegations rather than to influence his campaign. Notably, presidential pardons apply only to federal offenses, leaving Trump unable to pardon himself in this matter as it was pursued in state court.

For further details, see the original articles from The Guardian, Newsweek, AP News, HuffPost, and India Times.