Judge’s Decision Alters Course of Major Political Controversy

Federal Judge Dismisses Trump’s Bid to Intervene in Hush Money Case

At a Glance

Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected Donald Trump’s request to intervene in his New York hush money criminal case
The judge ruled that the hush money payments were private, unofficial acts outside presidential authority
Trump’s lawyers have filed a notice of appeal in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
The former president faces potential sentencing on September 18 for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records

Judge’s Ruling Maintains State Court Jurisdiction

In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein has dismissed Trump’s attempt to intervene in his New York hush money criminal case. The federal judge’s decision reaffirms that the case will remain in state court, where Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

Judge Hellerstein emphasized that the hush money payments at the center of the case “were private, unofficial acts, outside the bounds of executive authority.” This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance that even former presidents are not above the law when it comes to personal conduct.

Trump’s Legal Team Responds

In response to the ruling, Trump’s legal team has filed a notice of appeal in the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The former president’s lawyers argue that the case was tainted by constitutional violations and cite the recent Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity. They contend that prosecutors rushed to trial and improperly presented evidence under this ruling.

“[We] will continue to fight to move this Hoax into federal court where it should be put out of its misery once and for all,” Trump’s team stated, reflecting their determination to challenge the state court’s jurisdiction.

A federal judge on Tuesday swiftly rejected former President Donald Trump's request to intervene in his New York hush money criminal case. https://t.co/bDolm3Gcnx

— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 4, 2024

Implications for Trump’s Legal Battles

This ruling is a crucial development in Trump’s ongoing legal challenges. With the case remaining in state court, Trump faces potential sentencing on September 18. The charges of falsifying business records carry possible penalties including up to four years in prison, probation, or a fine.

Trump’s lawyers have argued that immediate sentencing would not allow enough time for appeal and could interfere with the upcoming election. They’ve requested a delay in sentencing, a motion that Judge Juan M. Merchan is expected to rule on soon.

“It would be highly improper for this Court to evaluate the issues of bias, unfairness or error in the state trial,” Hellerstein wrote. “Those are issues for the state appellate courts.”

Looking Ahead

As the legal process continues, all eyes will be on Judge Merchan’s upcoming decisions regarding the potential delay of sentencing and Trump’s motion to overturn the verdict. These rulings, expected in mid-September, could significantly impact the timeline of Trump’s legal proceedings and potentially his political activities.

While Trump’s team continues to fight the charges, prosecutors have stated they are open to a reasonable timeline that allows for proper adjudication of Trump’s motions while avoiding undue delay in sentencing. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the next steps in this high-profile case that has captured national attention.