Federal courts in New Jersey are at a near standstill with judges postponing trials, canceling hearings, and putting guilty pleas on hold.

As a court battle plays out over whether President Trump's former personal attorney, Elena Haba, has the legal authority to serve as the state's acting U.S. attorney.

The chaos unraveled after a Pennsylvania federal judge ruled earlier this month that Haba has been serving in the role unlawfully since July 1st.

Now courts are bracing for the possibility that any cases Haba may have worked on or those involving prosecutors under her could be challenged by defense lawyers.

And the Trump administration warns it could get worse.

In a motion filed with the Court of Appeals this week, the Justice Department wrote that the longer it takes to resolve the issue, the greater the risk that more court cases will be adjourned indefinitely.

But the appeals process will likely take a while.

The most recent filings show oral arguments won't take place until late October or early November.