New York, United States

A US court ruled Friday (Nov 22) that United States President-elect Donald Trump's criminal sentencing in hush money trial will be postponed indefinitely—potentially until after he leaves office. The sentencing was originally scheduled for November 26. 

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"It is... ordered that the joint application for a stay of sentencing is granted to the extent that the November 26, 2024 date is adjourned," said Judge Juan Merchan in an order.

In a one-page decision, the judge said that Trump's legal team could file their submissions for dismissal of the case by December 2, while the prosecutors were given a week to file their submissions.

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The order comes amid uncertainty revolving around whether the judge should proceed with sentencing, delay it for four years until Trump vacates the office or simply dismiss the case once and for all.

Earlier this month, Trump's lawyer told the court that there was a strong case for dismissing the trial altogether. On the other hand, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office said the jury's verdict must be taken into consideration.

In May, a New York jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts in the hush money trial, in which he faced four years in prison.

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Trump had to deal with four prosecutions during his presidential campaign and the Republican put everything on the line to win the elections in a bid to end his many legal troubles. The effect is now already visible.

The US Department of Justice has already dropped his two federal cases. A case in the US state of Georgia has also been halted amid concerns over the district attorney's relationship with the prosecutor.

But as he manages to dodge criminal cases, Trump continues to face obligations in civil litigation and is still liable to pay more than $450 million after being found to have inflated the value of his assets in representations to banks.

(With inputs from agencies)