Legal expert lays out what September could hold for Trump’s criminal cases

MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin briefly broke down what's next for Donald Trump this month as he continues to face significant legal battles less than two months ahead of possible reelection.

In a post published to X, Rubin wrote:

Tomorrow’s the first working day of September—and we could see action in both state and federal courts as soon as tomorrow in Trump’s criminal cases.

First, Trump has asked Judge Juan Merchan, who oversaw his Manhattan criminal trial, to postpone his sentencing, a request that the Manhattan [district attorney] DA did not outright oppose. Merchan has yet to decide that motion.

Second, both sides submitted their proposals to Judge Tanya Chutkan for what should happen next in the federal election case. She’s got a status conference scheduled for this Thursday, but could she ask for more clarity or details before then? Sure could.

Third, Trump’s team is trying to remove the NY case to federal court. If not summarily rejected, that would postpone Trump’s NY sentencing no matter what Merchan does. The notice was rejected late Friday, but Team Trump maintains it simply needs 'to file in a specific format.'

And as the work week begins tomorrow, we could see movement on any of these fronts. Stay tuned.

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Trump's sentencing in the NY hush money case is scheduled for September 18, and a ruling on whether the conviction will be overturned is expected to come on September 16.

If the MAGA hopeful wins the presidency, he would be able to pardon himself in his DC election interference case and his Florida classified documents case, as the charges in these cases are all federal crimes.

The former president would not be able to pardon himself in the NY hush money case — as only the governor can do that — nor his Georgia election interference case.

"The only entity with the power to grant pardons or other forms of clemency is the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, a five-member panel appointed by the governor," according to Politico.