A Manhattan judge refused on Thursday to dismiss bribery and other charges against Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey on the grounds that they violate constitutional protections afforded to members of Congress.
The ruling does not address other grounds that Mr. Menendez, a Democrat, has cited in asking that the charges against him, which are still pending before the judge, be dismissed.
Mr. Menendez could file an appeal of the ruling, which could end up delaying his trial for months. It currently is scheduled to begin on May 6.
Lawyers for Mr. Menendez had asked the judge, Sidney H. Stein of Federal District Court, to throw out the charges, arguing that overzealous prosecutors were criminalizing the normal activity of legislators and flouting the protections given to members of Congress under what is known as the Constitution’s “speech or debate” clause.
Lawyers for Mr. Menendez did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
