Judge Makes Unexpected Decision on Trump’s Legal Battle in New York

A judge’s refusal to expedite former President Donald Trump’s New York criminal case leaves his legal battles more complex than ever.

At a Glance

A federal judge in Manhattan denied Trump’s effort to move his state criminal case to federal courts.
Claims of presidential immunity and alleged bias were rejected by the judge.
Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts related to hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels.
Trump’s sentencing is set for September, less than seven weeks before the election.

Judge Denies Trump’s Request to Fast-Track Criminal Case

In a recent judicial decision, former President Donald Trump’s motion to fast-track his New York criminal case was rejected. Trump’s legal team requested an expedited schedule to resolve the case before sentencing. However, Judge Juan M. Merchan’s refusal means the case will proceed as initially planned. This ruling adds another layer to Trump’s array of legal challenges, including other ongoing cases, complicating his defense strategies.

A federal judge in Manhattan denied Trump’s effort to move his state criminal case to federal courts, rejecting his claims of presidential immunity and alleged bias. According to Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, the hush-money payments were private acts and did not fall under the scope of official presidential duties. In May, a jury convicted Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying records in connection to hush-money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels.

A federal judge on Tuesday rejected Donald Trump's request to intervene in his New York hush money criminal case, thwarting the former president's latest bid to overturn his felony conviction and delay his sentencing.https://t.co/Mo7qZNFpCH

— KOMO News (@komonews) September 4, 2024

Sentencing Scheduled

State Judge Juan M. Merchan scheduled Trump’s sentencing for September 18, which is less than seven weeks before Election Day. Trump had requested a delay until after the presidential election, claiming potential election interference. However, Judge Hellerstein made clear that issues of bias and unfair treatment must be rectified through state appellate courts, not federal jurisdiction.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which prosecuted the case, has declined to comment on the developments. Trump’s legal team has already filed a notice of appeal with the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Lawyers argue the case was tainted by constitutional violations and assert that it should be dismissed entirely. Sentencing options range from probation to a prison term of up to four years.

A federal judge today denied Donald Trump’s request to move the New York hush money case to federal court. https://t.co/UJAPZPWLBX

— KTVZ NewsChannel 21 (@KTVZ) September 3, 2024

Legal and Electoral Implications

Trump continues to appeal various aspects of the trial, including the initial ruling and the gag order preventing him from speaking about certain elements of the case. The decision underscores the multifaceted legal battles Trump still faces. Prosecutors in the Manhattan district attorney’s office have not taken a position on delaying sentencing but are open to a timeline that allows for adequate adjudication of Trump’s motions.

Trump’s legal team stated they “will continue to fight to move this hoax into federal court where it should be put out of its misery once and for all.”

The legal proceedings come at a critical time as Trump is running against Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. Any judicial setbacks could severely impact his campaign strategies and chances. The interplay between Trump’s legal issues and the electoral calendar adds a layer of uncertainty to both his legal and political futures.