The trial of SBF, the former FTX executive who is facing charges of fraud and conspiracy, is scheduled to commence on October 3, with opening arguments expected to begin on October 4, according to a court trial calendar released to the public on Thursday. The trial, presided over by Judge Lewis Kaplan, is anticipated to span most of October and the first week of November, with several breaks, including public holidays, interspersed throughout the proceedings.
SBF trial calendar overview
The court trial calendar reveals a detailed outline of the SBF trial schedule, shedding light on important dates and anticipated breaks. Notably, the court will not be in session between October 20 and October 25, providing a brief respite for the legal proceedings. Further, November 3 will be a day off, along with October 9 and November 10, both of which coincide with public holidays.
During a recent hearing, Judge Lewis Kaplan sought estimates from both the prosecution and the defense regarding the expected duration of their respective cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Kudla, representing the Department of Justice, stated that they anticipate their case to span four to five weeks. In contrast, Mark Cohen, representing SBF, suggested that the defense’s case was more streamlined and, if present, could take up to a week and a half to conclude.
Judge Kaplan acknowledged the potential for an extension of the trial calendar but noted the prevailing consensus that the trial will likely conclude by Thanksgiving in late November.
In the same hearing, the defense motion for the temporary release of SBF for the duration of the trial was denied by Judge Kaplan. Bankman-Fried, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and conspiracy, will remain in custody throughout the trial.
With the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried set to commence on October 3, the legal community and the public at large are poised for a significant legal showdown. The charges against Bankman-Fried are substantial, and both the prosecution and defense have outlined their anticipated timelines for presenting their cases.
The trial calendar, with its provision for breaks and public holidays, acknowledges the need for the court and legal teams to manage the complexities of the case effectively. The trial’s expected conclusion by Thanksgiving ensures that the proceedings will not extend into the holiday season, providing clarity on the timeline for all parties involved.
As the trial date approaches, key points to watch for include the presentation of evidence and arguments by both the prosecution and defense. The trial will offer insights into the legal strategies employed by each side and the strength of the case against Sam Bankman-Fried.
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