A judge has denied former President Donald Trump’s request to expedite his New York criminal case.
At a Glance
- A federal judge in Manhattan denied Trump’s effort to move his state criminal case to federal courts.
- Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein rejected Trump’s claims of presidential immunity and alleged bias.
- Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts related to hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels.
- Sentencing is scheduled for September 18, less than seven weeks before Election Day.
Judge Denies Trump’s Request
A judge in Manhattan has denied former President Donald J. Trump’s request to expedite his New York criminal case. Trump’s legal team had sought to move the state criminal case to federal courts, citing presidential immunity and alleged bias. However, Federal Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled that the timeline already in place shall remain unchanged.
This ruling is significant as Trump faces a multitude of legal challenges across various jurisdictions. In May, a jury convicted Trump of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. State Judge Juan M. Merchan has scheduled his sentencing for September 18, which Trump’s legal team had hoped to delay until after the upcoming presidential election.
A federal judge on Tuesday rejected Donald Trump's request to intervene in his New York hush money criminal case.https://t.co/VgIZL3VsJm
— KTXS News (@KTXS_News) September 4, 2024
Claims of Immunity and Bias Rejected
Judge Hellerstein dismissed Trump’s claims of presidential immunity and alleged judicial bias, stating that these claims should be evaluated by state courts. Hellerstein also emphasized that the hush-money payments were private acts, falling outside the scope of executive authority.
Hellerstein’s decision dealt a considerable blow to Trump’s legal strategy. Trump’s lawyers had argued that the New York trial was tainted by constitutional violations and rushed proceedings, which they hoped to contest at a federal level.
Implications for Trump’s Presidential Campaign
The denial of Trump’s request complicates his legal battles as he campaigns for the presidency. The timing of his sentencing—scheduled less than seven weeks before Election Day—could have significant political implications. Trump’s lawyers have filed a notice of appeal in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and may pursue further legal action.
Trump’s lawyers stated, “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 Manhattan prosecutor’s office, responsible for the case, declined to comment on the recent developments. They have, however, objected to Trump’s attempts to delay post-trial decisions.
