In light of President-elect Donald Trump's second term in office, two federal judges ruled on January 6 to postpone the criminal trials of several defendants charged with invading the U.S. Capitol. did.
Politico reported Thursday that Washington, D.C., Circuit Court Judges Carl Nichols and Rudolph Contreras (appointed by Trump and Obama, respectively) ruled to postpone the trial until after Trump takes office. The justices reasoned that Trump, when he takes control of the presidency and the Justice Department, could halt the cases and grant pardons to those convicted.
This is the first time a judge has agreed to a defendant's Jan. 6 plea for a delay in anticipation of a possible pardon from Trump.
FILE – Former President Donald Trump, then Republican presidential candidate, speaks at a campaign event in Mint Hill, North Carolina, Wednesday, September 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
CNN reported that Contreras, who postponed the start of William Pope's trial until late February, wasted taxpayer resources by calling a jury when there was a “real possibility” that a Trump pardon would be granted. He said it would be pointless to do so.
“I am focused on preserving resources for the parties, the courts, and the public,” Contreras said.
Pope already had his felony obstruction charge dismissed following a June Supreme Court ruling. He is currently charged with a misdemeanor violation. His trial was scheduled for December.
The Capitol Building as seen from the National Mall on Friday, August 9, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Aaron Schwartz/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Nichols postponed the Jan. 6 trial of three other defendants charged with misdemeanor trespassing. He made the decision after asking federal prosecutors whether they expected the trial to continue under the Trump administration. Because the prosecution could not provide guarantees, Nichols decided to postpone the trial to April.
“As soon as the prosecutor requests a trial date, can Judge Nichols assure the court that this matter will proceed to trial once?” said attorney Marina Medvin, who represents two of the defendants in Nichols' court. I asked her what she thought.” A new government is inaugurated. ”
“Of course, prosecutors can't make that guarantee,” she said.
