Prosecutors Reveal No Opposition to Delay in Trump’s NY Criminal Case

Consequences stemming from President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction in a New York state case are likely to remain unresolved for years. Prosecutors have indicated that they will not oppose a suspension of the lawsuit while Trump serves his four-year term in office.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced on Tuesday that he will contest Trump’s request to dismiss the case entirely. However, Bragg conveyed that he would not block a stay on the proceedings. In a memo addressed to New York Judge Juan Merchan, he stated, “Given the need to balance competing constitutional interests, consideration must be given to various non-dismissal options that may address concerns raised by the pendency of a post-trial criminal proceeding during the presidency, such as deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of Defendant’s upcoming presidential term.”

Bragg has requested that all motions related to the case be submitted by December 9. Meanwhile, Trump is still scheduled for sentencing on November 26, barring any new orders from Merchan.

In response to Bragg’s letter, Trump spokesman Steven Cheung claimed, “a total and definitive victory.” He criticized the ongoing investigation, declaring that the “lawless case is now stayed,” and revealed that Trump’s legal team intends to pursue full dismissal.

Historically, Trump is the first former president to face felony conviction, having been found guilty in May of 34 counts related to falsifying business records. This case arose from payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels prior to the 2016 election, aimed at concealing a past personal encounter.

The anticipated delay in sentencing effectively pauses the only criminal trial that progressed against Trump, while he prepares to enter the presidency once more. This particular case is one of four criminal actions faced by Trump during his campaign to return to the Oval Office. Additionally, he is entangled in numerous civil lawsuits and confronts potential damages amounting to approximately half a billion dollars for fraud, defamation, and sexual abuse allegations.

As Trump approaches his inauguration in two months, the Justice Department’s special counsel, Jack Smith, is also concluding its two federal cases against him, as federal prosecutions do not apply to sitting presidents. These federal cases involve charges of fraud and obstruction linked to Trump’s attempts to contest the results of the 2020 election, as well as the unlawful retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump’s sentencing has faced multiple delays. In September, Merchan granted Trump’s request to postpone sentencing until after the presidential election, which led to the previous July date being pushed back. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity also influenced these delays, introducing complexities regarding the admissibility of evidence against former presidents.

In light of these developments, Trump’s legal team and the prosecutors aimed to jointly request a delay on all proceedings as they navigate the path forward following Trump’s election triumph.