12th November, 2024
Legal proceedings in Donald Trump’s hush money case have been postponed until November 19, after an agreement between Trump’s lawyers and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
According to the CNN, the delay is intended to give Trump’s legal team time to present fresh arguments regarding the potential impact of his recent election victory on the case.
Judge Juan Merchan had been scheduled to rule on Tuesday over whether to overturn Trump’s business fraud conviction, citing a recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity as a significant factor in the decision.
Under the judge’s new order, the District Attorney’s office must file its perspective on the matter by November 19 at 10 a.m. ET.
Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating in a letter to the judge that “unprecedented circumstances” necessitate a careful examination of defense arguments to balance both “a jury verdict of guilt following a regular trial” and “the responsibilities of the Office of the President.”
Trump’s attorney, Emil Bove, argued that the charges should be dismissed to prevent any unconstitutional restrictions on Trump’s ability to carry out his presidential duties.
According to Bove, halting or dropping the case is crucial to avoid hindering Trump’s governance.
Trump’s legal troubles stem from a March 2023 indictment by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, related to alleged hush money payments to an adult-film star during the 2016 campaign.
On May 30, a jury found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of first-degree falsification of business records, although Trump maintains his innocence.
In September, Judge Merchan announced that, if necessary, sentencing would take place on November 26, emphasizing that the delay aims to avoid any perception of electoral interference.
