According to report, a Manhattan judge has indefinitely delayed sentencing in Donald Trump's criminal hush money case.
This marks a significant legal victory for the President-elect as he prepares to return to the White House.
Trump was convicted in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Prosecutors argued these actions were part of an effort to conceal an alleged affair with a porn star, intended to bolster his chances during the 2016 presidential race.
Trump fought to push the date for his sentencing, originally scheduled for November 26, beyond his upcoming inauguration in January.
Ruling on Friday, Judge Juan Merchan said: "It is... ordered that the joint application for a stay of sentencing is granted to the extent that the November 26, 2024 date is adjourned."
Trump's defence cited a landmark Supreme Court ruling that grants president sweeping immunity for actions taken while in office. This argument became the basis for Trump's motion to dismiss the conviction. Prosecutors firmly opposed the move, but the judge has granted Trump the right to file such a motion, potentially triggering further legal delays once he assumes office.
"The defendant's request for leave to file a motion to dismiss... is granted," Merchan's order stated.
Trump has repeatedly denounced the case as politically motivated, calling it a "witch hunt" and insisting it "should be rightfully terminated." His legal challenges coincide with other high-profile cases, including investigations into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and alleged mishandling of classified documents.
As president, Trump would have the authority to intervene in federal cases against him. Special Counsel Jack Smith, overseeing two of those cases, has already begun scaling back proceedings, aligning with the Department of Justice (DOJ) policy that discourages prosecuting sitting presidents.
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