A judge on Tuesday delayed the campaign corruption trial of Congressman Duncan D. Hunter until Jan. 14, 2020, because an appeals court is taking a look at the judge’s refusal to drop some of the charges.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has given deadlines for Hunter (R-Alpine), 42, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to supply arguments they will consider that were four days away from the original Sept. 10 trial date. So both hunter and the U.S. Attorney’s Office requested a new trial date while keeping in mind it will last a full month.
Whelan denied a motion by Hunter’s lawyers to dismiss some of the charges on July 9, and he filed an appeal July 19 with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which is based in San Francisco. His attorney, Devin Burnstein, said a three-judge panel will decide the issue if Whelan made a legal error in refusing to dismiss some of the charges.
Hunter was present but he said nothing. He has waived his right to a speedy trial.
