The judge in Donald Trump’s hush money trial has postponed next week’s sentencing and granted permission for his lawyers to seek dismissal of the case.
It comes after the Manhattan district attorney’s office said it wouldn’t oppose a motion to delay the sentencing.
In May, a New York jury found the now president-elect guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to commit election fraud.
Trump tried to cover up “hush money” payments to buy the silence of a porn star in the days before the 2016 election.
When Stormy Daniels‘ claims of a sexual liaison threatened to upend his presidential campaign, Trump directed his lawyer to pay $130,000 (£102,000) to keep her quiet.
The payment buried the story and Trump later won the presidency.
New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan today delayed the sentencing, which had been due to take place this coming Tuesday.
The district attorney had asked the him to postpone all proceedings until after Trump finishes his four-year presidency, which starts on 20 January.
Trump’s lawyers say the case must be dismissed because it will create “unconstitutional impediments” to his
ability to govern.
The judge set a 2 December deadline for Trump’s lawyers to file their motion, while prosecutors have until 9 December to respond.
He did not set a new date for sentencing or indicate when he would rule on any motion to throw out the case.
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