Prosecutors Indicate No Opposition to Delay in Trump’s New York Criminal Case

WASHINGTON — The legal ramifications of President-elect Donald Trump’s guilty verdict in a New York state case could be postponed for years. Prosecutors indicated they would not challenge a delay in the lawsuit, allowing Trump to fulfill his four-year term as the 47th president.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated on Tuesday that while he intends to contest Trump’s motion to dismiss the case entirely, he will not oppose a stay on the proceedings. “Given the need to balance competing constitutional interests, consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options,” Bragg explained in a memo submitted to New York Judge Juan Merchan.

Bragg has requested that any motions related to this matter be filed by December 9. Currently, Trump is scheduled for criminal sentencing on November 26, although Merchan has the authority to alter this timeline.

In response to Bragg’s announcement, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung claimed it represented “a total and definitive victory.” He characterized the situation as a “Witch Hunt,” asserting that Trump’s legal team is working toward a permanent dismissal of the case.

Trump, who made history as the first former president to be convicted of a felony, received a guilty verdict in May for 34 counts of falsifying business records. These charges stemmed from payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election, intended to cover up a past affair.

The postponement of his sentencing, while he serves as president, temporarily concludes the only one of Trump’s criminal cases that has gone to trial. This case, initiated by Bragg, is part of a broader legal landscape for Trump, which includes four criminal cases and multiple civil lawsuits, exposing him to substantial financial liabilities.

As Trump prepares to take office in two months, U.S. Department of Justice special counsel Jack Smith’s office is wrapping up two federal cases against him, adhering to a policy that prohibits prosecuting sitting presidents. These cases involve allegations of fraud and obstruction related to actions taken after the 2020 election, including the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Another federal case pertains to charges that Trump unlawfully retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving office.

Trump’s 34 felony convictions carry potential penalties of up to four years each. His sentencing date has been postponed multiple times, with the latest delay granted in September to allow for the completion of this year’s presidential election.

In previous rulings, Merchan had pushed back Trump’s initial sentencing date following a U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding the immunity of former presidents from criminal prosecution for actions performed as part of their constitutional duties. Trump quickly sought to overturn the guilty verdict following that ruling, though a decision on this motion remains pending.

On November 12, both New York prosecutors and Trump’s defense team jointly requested a delay in all proceedings as they contemplate the next steps following Trump’s recent electoral success.

Last updated 1:39 p.m., Nov. 19, 2024