Habba’s term as the interim U.S. attorney expired this week, and since the Senate never voted to confirm her, it was up to federal judges in the state to vote to extend her term—which they declined to do, instead appointing her deputy Desiree Leigh Grace to fill the role on Tuesday.

Alina Habba's role as acting U.S. Attorney faces a test after an attorney in a drug and weapons case filed a motion challenging her authority to prosecute it.

Federal court hearings, grand jury proceedings and plea deals were abruptly canceled in New Jersey over questions about whether Alina Habba, the acting U.S. attorney, was legally appointed.