In New York City, a verdict in the civil business fraud trial of former President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in early to mid-February, according to a court spokesman. The timeline for the written decision by Judge Arthur Engoron is still a “rough estimate” and “subject to modifications,” said Alfred Baker, spokesman for the New York State Office of Court Administration.
The trial, which had been anticipated to conclude on Wednesday, will determine penalties and resolve other claims of wrongdoing from New York Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit. Engoron conducted the trial without a jury, and the new timeframe for the verdict was first reported by Reuters.
During E. Jean Carroll’s second civil trial, in which Carroll accused Trump of raping her decades ago, the former President and his attorney Alina Habba delivered closing arguments at Manhattan Federal Court in New York City on Jan. 26, 2024.
At the end of Trump’s trial last month in Manhattan Supreme Court, Engoron had initially aimed to issue his final ruling by Wednesday but noted that there was “no guarantee” he would stick to that timeframe. The trial is focused on accusations by Letitia James that Trump, the Trump Organization, his two adult sons, and top company executives inflated Trump’s net worth on his financial statements in violation of a state antifraud law. Prior to the trial, Engoron found the defendants liable for fraud.
The postponement of the verdict emphasizes the complexity and significance of the case, as well as the careful consideration that Judge Engoron is giving to his final decision. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for all parties involved and will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of Donald Trump.