In a significant development in the Manhattan case involving former President Donald Trump, District Attorney Alvin Bragg has requested a 30-day delay in the trial's start date. The request was made to Judge Juan Merchan to allow the DA's office to review a new set of records obtained from federal prosecutors.
The trial, which was initially set to commence in about two weeks, is expected to be the first criminal prosecution of the former President. Jury selection was scheduled to begin on March 25th. However, prosecutors have indicated their willingness to postpone the trial by 30 days to examine additional evidence.
While Trump's legal team had sought a 90-day delay citing discovery issues, the prosecutors' agreement to a 30-day extension could potentially push the trial back by a month. The trial, estimated to last six to eight weeks, adds complexity to Trump's already intricate criminal trial schedule.
If the trial is delayed by 30 days, it may start in late April, coinciding with the Supreme Court's consideration of Trump's challenge in another case. The state-level case against Trump involves allegations of falsifying business records related to payments made to Stormy Daniels, the former adult film star, commonly known as the 'hush money case.'
Among the four criminal cases faced by Trump, this particular case has been perceived as less significant in terms of allegations. However, it is the only case expected to proceed before the election. Prosecutors remain intent on pursuing the case but have shown openness to a 30-day delay, contrasting with Trump's legal strategy of prolonging proceedings across all cases.
