Donald Trump underwent his mandatory pre-sentencing interview on Monday, lasting less than 30 minutes, where routine questions were asked and answered, according to an individual familiar with the situation who spoke anonymously to The Associated Press. The former president participated in the session with a New York City probation officer, as required by law, to compile a report for trial judge Juan M. Merchan, aiding in the determination of Trump’s sentencing in his hush money criminal case scheduled for July 11.

Conducted via video conferencing, the interview’s contents, as per state regulations, will remain confidential unless the judge grants authorization for its public disclosure. The report is expected to encompass details regarding Trump’s conviction, along with his social, family, and employment background, as well as educational and economic status.

Trump’s legal team and prosecutors will receive copies of the report, though this typically occurs shortly before the sentencing. Additionally, both parties have the opportunity to submit their own documentation to Judge Merchan, presenting arguments for their respective positions on the appropriate punishment for Trump.

Following Trump’s conviction on May 30 for falsifying business records to conceal a potential sex scandal, Judge Merchan possesses the discretion to determine a range of penalties, spanning from probation and fines to a maximum of four years in prison.

Despite his decision not to testify during the trial, Trump, in accordance with the law, was obligated to participate in Monday’s pre-sentencing interview. This was conducted via video from his residence at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, with his attorney Todd Blanche present.

Criticism arose regarding the arrangement, with some asserting that it indicated preferential treatment for a high-profile defendant. However, city officials refuted such claims, stating that these accommodations are available to any individual undergoing a pre-sentencing interview.

Typically, individuals convicted of crimes in New York engage in face-to-face meetings with probation officials for their mandatory pre-sentencing interviews, without the presence of legal counsel. However, after Blanche expressed concerns about Trump being questioned alone, Judge Merchan granted permission for the defense attorney to accompany Trump during the interview.

The city’s public defenders voiced criticism on Monday, denouncing what they perceived as preferential treatment for Trump and advocating for equitable treatment in pre-sentencing procedures.

In a joint statement, four of the city’s public defender organizations emphasized the importance of ensuring that all New Yorkers, irrespective of their financial standing or social status, have equal access to pre-sentencing opportunities. They asserted that every individual convicted of a crime should have the right to legal representation during their probation interviews, rather than this privilege being limited to affluent individuals like Trump.

Highlighting the significant impact that pre-sentencing interviews with probation officers can have on sentencing outcomes, the public defenders expressed concern that their inability to accompany their clients during these crucial meetings creates an imbalance in the justice system. They noted that the option of participating in these interviews virtually is typically not extended to the individuals they represent, further exacerbating disparities in the legal process.

According to Ivette Dávila-Richards, a deputy press secretary for Mayor Eric Adams, defendants have had the option to conduct their pre-sentencing interviews via video since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Dávila-Richards clarified that all defendants, regardless of their status, have the right to request the presence of their attorneys during these interviews, provided that the judge overseeing their case grants approval.

Dávila-Richards asserted that Trump has not received any preferential treatment and is being treated in accordance with the standard procedures applied to all defendants convicted of crimes. She emphasized that the heightened attention surrounding Trump’s case is due to his high-profile status, rather than any special treatment being accorded to him.

A request for comment was made to a spokesperson for the state court system, but no response was received at the time of reporting.

Pre-sentence reports serve as valuable tools for trial judges in determining appropriate sentences for convicted individuals. These reports are typically compiled by probation officers, social workers, or psychologists employed by the probation department. They involve interviews with the defendant, as well as potentially their family, friends, and individuals affected by the crime, to provide comprehensive insight into the circumstances surrounding the offense and the defendant’s background.

In addition to detailing a defendant’s personal background and criminal history, pre-sentence reports often include a recommendation for sentencing. The interview also provides an opportunity for the defendant to present arguments as to why they believe they deserve a more lenient punishment, and the city’s probation department encourages defendants to provide any documentation they believe may support their case.

Trump was found guilty by a jury on 34 counts of falsifying business records, stemming from allegations that he attempted to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels just before the 2016 presidential election. Daniels claims to have had a sexual encounter with Trump a decade earlier, an allegation he vehemently denies.

As the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Trump has declared his intention to appeal his conviction; however, according to legal procedure, he must await sentencing before pursuing an appeal. Trump maintains his innocence, asserting that the case against him was politically motivated and aimed at undermining his bid to return to the White House.