Key Takeaways:
– After successfully preventing them from moving, several cases against Donald Trump seem to have stalled or ended, despite his multiple indictments.
– Trump awaits sentencing in the NY hush-money case connected to Stormy Daniels, with a delay granted to consider arguments related to his re-election.
– Lawyers may appeal to extend delays until all appeals are finished if conviction remains and delay for sentencing is not granted.
– The District of Columbia case connected to election interference is also in a halt after Trump sought presidential immunity.
– Various lawsuits related to Trump’s role in January 6, defamation cases, and a fraud case in New York all continue despite his re-election.
Second Term Win Amid Legal Tug-of-War
Despite facing 88 criminal charges and four indictments, former president Donald Trump has managed to avert jail time. His intense drive to delay these cases for as long as possible appears to have given him an advantage. In fact, according to Jessica Levinson, a constitutional law professor, this approach can be seen as quite successful.
The New York Hush-Money Case
Back in May, Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records to hide a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He was set to be sentenced on November 26, but Judge Juan Merchan has given some breathing room till November 19. This grace period would allow defense attorneys and prosecutors to discuss the impact of the election results on the case.
How Trump’s Legal team May Respond
If the conviction stays intact, Trump’s lawyers plan to ask Judge Merchan to push back Trump’s sentencing. This would allow time to appeal. They aim to appeal the decision on immunity to state appellate courts and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court. The goal is to postpone Trump’s sentencing until all appeals are heard.
Federal Cases against Trump Under Review
Meanwhile, special counsel Jack Smith is discussing with Justice Department officials on how to wrap up the federal cases against Trump. Notably, Trump’s lawyers have worked to postpone these trials until after the election. The plan is for Trump to end them himself if he is re-elected.
Election Interference and Classified Documents Controversies
Additionally, the District of Columbia election interference case has been stalled. The U.S. Supreme Court broadly granted Trump presidential immunity in July, and the trial judge has yet to rule on what alleged crimes should be shielded as official acts. Charges in Florida accuse Trump of illegally taking classified documents from the White House, resisting the government’s attempts to retrieve the materials. Although Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed this case previously, prosecutors pursued an appeal.
Georgia Election Interference Case Hinges on District Attorney
Meanwhile, Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis’s eligibility to oversee the election interference case in Georgia hinges on her romantic relationship with another prosecutor. Insiders believe it’s unlikely that a state-level judge would allow the case to progress while Trump is president.
Ongoing Lawsuits Remain Despite Trump’s Second Term
Apart from criminal cases, Trump also faces numerous lawsuits. These include his involvement in the events of January 6, two defamation cases from writer E. Jean Carroll (resulting in nearly $90 million in penalties), and a fraud case brought by New York attorney general Letitia James, which resulted in a whopping $454 million penalty. Trump is currently appealing these fines. In line with a 1997 Supreme Court ruling, all cases can continue while Trump serves his second term in the White House.