Duncan Hunter’s Trial Pushed Until Next Year

SAN DIEGO, CA-AUG 23: Congressman Duncan Hunter walks into the San Diego Federal  Courthouse for an arraignment hearing on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in San Diego, CA.  Hunter and his wife Margaret are accused of using more than 250,00 in campaign funds for personal use.(Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 23: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) walks into the Federal Courthouse for an arraignment hearing on August 23, 2018 in San Diego, California. Hunter and his wife Margaret are accused of using more th... SAN DIEGO, CA - AUGUST 23: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) walks into the Federal Courthouse for an arraignment hearing on August 23, 2018 in San Diego, California. Hunter and his wife Margaret are accused of using more than $250,000 in campaign funds for personal use. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images) MORE LESS
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The trial of Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), who was indicted for misusing campaign funds, has been pushed back until January pending a decision from an appeals court on whether or not to dismiss the case.

According to Politico, Hunter’s lawyers have argued that he is shielded from prosecution by a constitutional provision that involves carrying out legislative duties. They also say that prosectors were motivated to nab the congressman, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, before his reelection in 2018.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Whelan has disagreed with both arguments but pushed the trial date when the attorneys voiced queries about if the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals must first consider their arguments in favor of dismissing the case.

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