Adams Lawyer Pushes Judge to Rule on Dropped Corruption Charges

A lawyer for New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pressed a judge to swiftly decide on the Justice Department’s bid to dismiss federal corruption charges against him. The request comes as Adams faces a tight Thursday deadline to file petitions for the mayoral primary ballot. Delays could jeopardize his re-election chances in a race already clouded by legal woes.

Attorney Alex Spiro argued the dismissal motion filed last week needs urgent resolution to clear Adams’ name. The charges accused Adams of accepting illegal campaign funds from foreign donors including Turkish officials. Prosecutors abruptly moved to drop the case citing new evidence though details remain sealed.

Adams has denied wrongdoing calling the case a political hit to derail his tenure. The timing of the dismissal request aligns suspiciously with his ballot deadline Spiro told the court. A ruling by Wednesday would let Adams campaign without the shadow of indictment hanging over him.

The Justice Department’s shift stunned observers after a yearlong probe into Adams’ 2021 campaign. Agents had raided homes of his top aides seizing phones and files in late 2024. Some speculate the reversal reflects pressure from Trump allies though no proof has surfaced.

New Yorkers remain split with polls showing Adams’ approval dipping below 40 percent amid the scandal. Progressive rivals like Brad Lander see an opening to challenge him in the June primary. A swift ruling could blunt their attacks and steady Adams’ battered administration.

The judge’s decision hinges on whether prosecutors justify abandoning a case they once touted as airtight. Legal experts say such U-turns are rare absent major flaws in evidence or procedure. Adams’ team hopes transparency will restore public trust eroded by months of headlines.

Federal courts rarely rush for political timelines but Spiro stressed the stakes for democracy. Adams aims to tout his record on crime and housing if cleared to run unencumbered. Delays past Thursday could force him to scramble signatures risking a ballot exclusion.

For Adams the next 48 hours are a make-or-break moment in a turbulent term. Supporters rally behind him as a victim of overzealous feds while foes demand accountability. The judge’s pen now holds the key to his political survival in City Hall.