Two federal courts have postponed criminal hearings for individuals accused of trespassing during the January 6 Capitol events, citing President-elect Donald Trump’s potential second term. Judges Carl Nichols and Rudolph Contreras reasoned that Trump, as the new head of the Department of Justice, might dismiss charges or issue pardons after his inauguration.
This marks the first time judges have approved delays based on the possibility of presidential pardons, as reported by Fox News. Contreras highlighted that convening a jury and using taxpayer funds would be wasteful given the “real possibility” of pardons. Consequently, the trial for defendant William Pope was delayed until late February.
The decision underscores the legal uncertainties tied to Trump’s potential presidency and its implications for ongoing cases.
