New York Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan on November 12 granted a stay on all deadlines associated with President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction in what became generally known as the “Hush-money case.” The much-anticipated decision means Trump will avoid a possible prison sentence, since the Nov. 26 sentencing date is now off the table.

Earlier this year, a jury in Manhattan found Mr. Trump guilty on multiple counts of falsifying business records related to concealing a so-called hush-money payment to a porn star. The charges brought against the former president and now president-elect have been widely criticized by many legal experts as flimsy and gratuitous.

A July 1 Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity complicated several legal cases targeting the former and now future president. His decisive victory in the 2024 election then pulled the rug out from under the feet of prosecutors, since the Department of Justice has a longstanding rule against prosecuting sitting presidents – which naturally extends to presidents-elect.