A judge in New York on Friday granted Donald Trump’s request to dismiss a criminal case against him over payments to a porn star in light of his victory in the US presidential election, and indefinitely postponed sentencing in the case.
Trump was found guilty in the case earlier this year, and was scheduled to be sentenced on November 26.
New York State Supreme Court Justice Juan Mershan said a sentencing hearing scheduled for Tuesday would not be held to give lawyers time to file briefs by a deadline that expires in early December. He did not specify a new date for the sentencing.
Prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Brago’s office earlier this week asked Judge Mershan to consider delaying all proceedings in the case until Trump completes his four-year term as president, which begins on January 20.
Attorneys for Republican Trump argued the case must be dismissed because the criminal proceedings would be an “unconstitutional impediment” to his ability to govern while in office.
Bragg’s office said it would oppose the dismissal of the case, but agreed that Trump should be allowed to present his case in writing.
On Friday, a judge set a deadline for Trump until December 2nd to file a motion to dismiss the case, and he gave the prosecutors until December 9th to respond.
