An outside lawyer has advised that the corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams be dismissed. Former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement urged the court to throw out the case with prejudice, ensuring it cannot be brought back later.

Adams was accused of accepting bribes and illegal campaign contributions from Turkish officials. Prosecutors claim he pressured city officials to approve Turkey’s Manhattan consulate despite safety concerns. The case has deepened political tensions, with Adams denying all wrongdoing.

Clement argued that dismissing the case without prejudice would leave Adams at risk of political retaliation.

“The prospect of reindictment could create the appearance, if not the reality, that the actions of a public official are being driven by concerns about staying in the good graces of the federal executive,” Clement wrote.

The Justice Department had initially sought to dismiss the charges without prejudice, leaving the option to refile after the November mayoral election. However, critics claim this approach would keep Adams politically weak and under pressure from Trump’s administration.

The case has also led to internal turmoil within the Justice Department. Several senior prosecutors resigned rather than comply with an order to drop the case. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove defended the dismissal, arguing that the prosecution interfered with Adams’ ability to work with Trump on immigration policies.

A judge is expected to rule on the dismissal soon, with a March 14 hearing in Manhattan. Meanwhile, Adams faces low approval ratings and a growing list of challengers, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his bid for reelection.