A judge ruled that Alina Habba was unlawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey after President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi bypassed standard procedures to keep her in charge.

Judge Matthew Brann found Habba could not lawfully prosecute two criminal defendants who challenged her appointment, invalidating her court filings in those cases.

The ruling, which highlights misuse of federal vacancy law loopholes, may allow other defendants to contest her authority, Fox News has reported.

The decision will not take effect until the Trump administration has a chance to appeal.