The judge presiding over Donald Trump’s New York hush money trial took a significant step on Friday. By postponing the scheduled sentencing for next week, more time was granted for arguments regarding the potential dismissal of the case. This decision comes as a result of various legal maneuvers and considerations.

Key Legal Developments

State Judge Juan Merchan ruled after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office filed earlier this week. They indicated they would not oppose Trump’s attorneys’ motion to delay his sentencing on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. In a brief order, Merchan set new deadlines in early December for both sides to make their arguments. The defense must file by Dec. 2, and the prosecution has until Dec. 9.Merchan also delayed deciding on another pending question about setting aside the verdict due to the Supreme Court’s decision on presidential immunity. Originally scheduled to decide by Nov. 19, this decision further complicates the legal proceedings.Trump had been scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 26, but his attorneys argued for immediate dismissal based on presidential immunity protections. They claim these protections are in place due to his “overwhelming victory” on Election Day.“They’ve also argued he can’t be sentenced after his term in office because that’s too long to wait,” adding to the complexity of the situation.Trump last week announced his plan to nominate Todd Blanche and Emil Bove for high-ranking posts at the Justice Department in his new administration.Prosecutors in Manhattan said they will challenge Trump’s efforts to dismiss the case but acknowledge that his sentencing might need to take place after he leaves office.“The People deeply respect the Office of the President, are mindful of the demands and obligations of the presidency, and acknowledge that Defendant’s inauguration will raise unprecedented legal questions,” their filing said.“They added that given the need to balance competing constitutional interests, various non-dismissal options should be considered, such as deferring remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of Trump’s upcoming presidential term.”In May, Trump was convicted on all counts after a weeks-long trial where he was accused of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. He has denied the allegation.The case was the only one of four criminal cases brought against Trump after he left office in 2021 to go to trial. The two federal cases are winding down due to his Election Day win, and a state case in Georgia has been moving slowly as Trump and some co-defendants have sought to have the prosecutor disqualified. Their appeal was set to be argued in December but was abruptly canceled this week.