Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro has filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court, urging them to allow him to avoid reporting to a federal prison next week to begin serving his four-month sentence for contempt of Congress. Navarro's attorneys argue that he should be granted freedom while he challenges his conviction before the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C.

Navarro's attorneys stressed that he is not a flight risk and poses no danger to public safety if released pending appeal. They maintain that Navarro has strong legal grounds to contest his conviction and raise substantial issues on appeal that could potentially result in the reversal of his sentence or a new trial.

Navarro's bid to remain free while awaiting appeal has been rejected by two lower courts. Most recently, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously turned down his request, questioning the substantiality of the legal arguments presented. The court stated that Navarro had failed to demonstrate why he should be granted freedom while the appeal process unfolds.

In response to Navarro's emergency request, the Supreme Court has requested a response from prosecutors by Monday afternoon, indicating that they are giving due consideration to his case.

At the heart of Navarro's appeal is his contention that U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta erred in denying him the opportunity to raise an executive privilege defense during his trial. Navarro is hopeful that the possibility of the appeals court reversing that decision will be a sufficient basis to keep him out of prison while his case is under review.

Navarro's case draws attention to a striking contrast in how the conviction of Trump ally Steve Bannon was handled. Bannon was also sentenced to four months for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena, but the presiding judge allowed him to remain free while his conviction goes through the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Earlier this year, Navarro was sentenced to four months in prison after being found guilty in September of two counts of contempt of Congress. The charges stemmed from his refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House select committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

It now rests on the Supreme Court to determine whether Navarro will be required to report to federal prison on March 19 or be granted the opportunity to continue his legal battle outside of incarceration. As the court reviews the case, the outcome could have broader implications for future cases involving contempt of Congress convictions.