Former President Donald Trump is seeking a pause in the federal criminal case against him, urging U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan to halt all proceedings while he appeals her recent ruling that he is not immune from charges related to the 2020 presidential election. Trump’s legal team contends that during the appeal process, an “automatic stay” should be granted, postponing all deadlines and proceedings.
Appealing Immunity Denial:
Trump is appealing Chutkan’s decision, which denied his claim of immunity on charges related to his efforts to influence the 2020 election while he was president. The former president asserts that the appeal process deprives the court of jurisdiction over the case, making a stay of proceedings mandatory.
Potential Trial Delay:
Should Chutkan grant Trump’s request, it could impact her plan to commence the trial on March 4, just blocks away from the Capitol where the January 6, 2021 attack unfolded. The appeal process, which Trump suggests could take weeks or months, may alter the trial timeline.
Ignoring Upcoming Deadlines:
In an 11-page filing, Trump’s attorneys indicated their intention to ignore upcoming deadlines in the absence of a stay. This includes disregarding pretrial motions, exchanges of information with prosecutors, and the designation of expert witnesses unless directed otherwise by the court.
Campaign Implications:
Trump’s legal team argues that allowing the case to proceed during the appeal could impose burdens on the former president, affecting his ongoing campaign for reelection. They emphasize concerns about judicial resources, financial costs, and potential reputational and political impact.
Prosecutors’ Stance:
Prosecutors from special counsel Jack Smith’s office have reportedly indicated their intent to oppose the stay. While acknowledging that Trump can’t be compelled to go to trial during an immunity appeal, they suggested allowing certain pretrial proceedings to proceed.
As the legal battle unfolds, Trump’s bid to halt proceedings adds another layer of complexity to a case that remains closely watched.
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