A judge has delayed House Speaker Mike Hubbard's trial on ethics charges until 2015.
Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker pushed back a Dec. 8 trial date at the request of the defense. Walker will meet with prosecutors and defense lawyers on Jan. 7 to discuss a timeline for the case.
A grand jury last month indicted Hubbard on felony ethics charges. The indictment accuses Hubbard of using his public positions to obtain work for his companies and to solicit investments from lobbyists.
The Auburn Republican has pleaded not guilty and called the investigation a political witch hunt.
Hubbard's trial could coincide with the legislative session unless it is delayed until at least summer. The Alabama Legislature meets from March until mid-June. Hubbard is seeking a second term as speaker.