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Defenders: All New Yorkers Deserve Trump's Pre-Sentencing Accommodations

New York City’s Public Defenders are calling for all New Yorkers to be given the same pre-sentencing accommodations extended to former president Donald Trump.

Trump is reported to have had a pre-sentencing interview on Monday that included special arrangements—including a virtual interview and his attorney being allowed to attend the interview—that are not typically afforded to low-income defendants.

“All people convicted of crimes should be allowed counsel in their probation interview, not just billionaires. This is just another example of our two-tiered system of justice,” reads a statement from The Legal Aid Society, The Bronx Defenders, and Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem.

“Pre-sentencing interviews with probation officers influence sentencing, and public defenders are deprived of joining their clients for these meetings. The option of joining these interviews virtually is typically not extended to the people we represent either,” the statement continues. “To ensure integrity and fairness, we call on the NYC Department of Probation to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of income, status, or class, receive the same pre-sentencing opportunities.”