A federal judge indefinitely adjourned ‘ criminal trial on Friday, but did not yet dismiss the federal corruption charges.
Judge Dale Ho adjourned the trial set to start in April, but is ordering both parties and an amicus curiae, or an impartial advisor, to consider whether the charges should be dismissed altogether.
As the amicus curiae, Ho appointed attorney Paul Clement to offer independent arguments on the Department of Justice’s request to drop the federal charges against the New York mayor. Clement is former U.S. Soliciter General who served during the George W. Bush administration.
Ho stated that briefs are due no later than March 7 and that oral arguments could be held on March 14 if deemed “necessary.”
The judge is asking for arguments considering six specific points, including to argue what legal standards would call for dismissal of the mayor’s charges.
Acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove ordered the charges, which include five criminal counts of bribery, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, to be dismissed on Feb. 10.
Adams has maintained that he is not guilty since he first pled in the case in September.
“As I said from the outset, I never broke the law, and I never would. I would never put any personal benefit above my solemn responsibility as your mayor,” Adams said after the Department of Justice announcement
In his court order Friday, Ho said that Adams is welcome to appear at future court dates, but that “he need not do so given the current procedural posture.”
At a hearing on Adams testified under oath that there was no “quid pro quo” arrangement in place that motivated his dismissal by the Department of Justice.
Adams said earlier this month that he is “no longer facing legal questions,” but Bove’s order said the dismissal of his case would be without prejudice, meaning in the future.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
