Federal criminal cases in New Jersey remain in chaos with judges postponing sentencings, plea hearings and status conferences this week as questions swirl about the authority of former Donald Trump lawyer Alina Habba to serve as the acting US attorney.

When Julien Giraud Jr. was federally indicted on drug and gun charges last year in New Jersey, he had little reason to think his case would double as a challenge to the lawfulness of Alina Habba’s position as U.