NJ Judges Halt Cases Over Habba’s Legal Authority

Bloomberg News reports:

The controversy over Alina Habba’s appointment as New Jersey’s top federal prosecutor grew this week as judges paused criminal cases amid a challenge by defendants who say she doesn’t legally hold the job.

Defendants facing narcotics charges are arguing that prosecutors can’t proceed with their case without a “validly appointed” US attorney in charge. The dispute could carry broad implications for criminal cases in New Jersey, and judges began postponing proceedings so that the issue can play out in court.

After the Senate did not take up her confirmation before the end of her 120-day interim term, a panel of federal judges last Tuesday appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Desiree Leigh Grace to the permanent U.S. attorney spot. Just hours later, the Justice Department fired Grace, after which the White House withdrew Habba’s nomination in a procedural move to allow her to continue as the acting U.S. attorney for the state.

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“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Maria Noto, a former president of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey. “We’re all incredulous.”
N.J. Criminal Cases Screech to a Halt as Habba’s Authority Is Challenged https://t.co/7KYm4AeEMM

— Harris Meyer (@Meyer_HM) July 29, 2025