As per the recent update on SBF’s lawsuit. The lawyers are at loggerheads on the testimony in Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial. Prosecutors noted misleading, missing info in some of their expert testimonies and would not like them to be part of the case. While DOJ also wants to exclude one of their own witnesses. This is all happening because Bankman-Fried is facing charges related to fraud and conspiracy. Both sides are arguing about whether these witnesses should be allowed to give their testimonies.
SBF lawyers want to Prolong the Trial, So What Will They Do Next?
As the trial for Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the former CEO of FTX, is drawing near, his defense team is grappling with such challenges. However, Judge Lewis Kaplan has set a clear deadline for the defense’s decisions, giving them until September 1st to request a trial postponement.
Weak Arguments from SBF’s Legal Team May Affect Trial?
Initially, SBF’s defense pursued an aggressive timeline, aiming for swift proceedings. However, they have hinted at needing more time due to difficulties accessing essential evidence. Judge Kaplan emphasized that valid reasons are necessary for any delay. “There’s got to be more meat on those bones,” he noted during an August 30 hearing.
It is also worth noting that, during this hearing, SBF’s defense team demanded his temporary release, following his bail revocation on August 11. Their aim was to allow him to better prepare for the trial scheduled for October 3. The defense argued that SBF’s limited internet access and the sheer volume of evidence made adequate preparation challenging.
According to Christian Everdell, one of Bankman-Fried’s lawyers, “It’s just the fact of the fact that we haven’t been able to make effective use of our client’s time.” Hence his bail is urgent for the SBF lawyers.
On the other hand, prosecutors asserted that SBF has ample time to review evidence and a robust legal team to support him.
No Trial Delay, No Bail, SBF in Real Scoop?
Since 2022, SBF has been facing a total of 12 criminal charges, spread across two separate trials set for October 2, 2023, and March 11, 2024. The heart of his defense rests on whether he genuinely sought legal guidance before the alleged missteps at FTX and Alameda Research or if his actions were strategic. If proven guilty a lifetime imprisonment awaits him.
As the trial dates loom, both SBF’s defense team and the court are growing anxious. The impending trials carry significant weight, and the decisions made will have far-reaching implications. With uncertainty in the air, the outcome of these trials remains a matter of great interest in the crypto and legal communities alike.
