A New York state appeals court judge on Thursday temporarily halted the scheduled Oct. 2 fraud trial against Donald Trump and his family business, a court spokeswoman said.
According to the court spokesman, the appeals court Judge David Friedman granted a temporary stay of the trial and referred the matter to a five-judge panel, which expects to rule in the last week of September.
The trial could still begin on October 2 depending on how the appeals court, known as the First Department, rules.
The stay ordered by Friedman was not available at a hearing scheduled for Sept. 22 before the Engoron of the two sides’ motion for summary judgment, which may proceed as planned, the court spokesman said.
Prosecutor James wants Trump’s financial statements to be seen as fraudulent, while the defendants want most or all of the prosecution’s charges dismissed. Engoron said the trial could last until Christmas.
James is seeking a $250 million fine and a ban on Trump and his sons Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump from running the family business, the Trump Organization. The prosecutor presented his case in September 2022, after a three-year investigation.
