Here’s how the decision in the Trump case can be appealed

Lawyers for Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants in Georgia could appeal a judge’s decision allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis to remain in the election interference case. But it will be up to the judge whether their appeal can be heard immediately, or whether this must wait until after a trial.

Ms. Willis could also choose to appeal the decision, although that is less likely because the judge gives her the opportunity to retain control of the Trump case.

For an immediate appeal, defense attorneys would ask the presiding judge, Scott McAfee of the Fulton County Superior Court, to grant them a “certificate of immediate review.” This is essentially a permission slip that allows them to take the case directly to the Georgia Court of Appeals.

If Judge McAfee approves an appeal, it will be up to the appeals court to decide whether a panel of three appellate judges should hear the case. If the court grants the request, the prosecution of Mr. Trump and his allies could be stayed until the appeals process is completed, which could take months.

The appeals court could also speed up the process by deciding to expedite the case. That decision would be closely watched, given that Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee in November’s presidential election.

Mr. Trump, who has tried to delay all four of his pending criminal cases as much as possible, would likely be happy if the appeals court decided to move at its normal, slower pace.

If the defendants were to lose at the appeals court, they could ask the Georgia Supreme Court to hear the case.

Steven Sadow, Trump’s lead attorney in the Georgia case, said Friday morning that the defense would “exercise all available legal options” to continue fighting the case, strongly indicating his team will seek to appeal the order .