Bankman-Fried’s legal team led by prominent lawyers Mark Cohen and Christian Everdell are actively pushing for the temporary release of the FTX founder, who is currently in custody, as he prepares for his trial set for October.
The trial centers on fraud allegations, accusing Bankman-Fried of investor deception and misusing FTX client funds. In a recent legal filing, Cohen and Everdell contend that Bankman-Fried’s Sixth Amendment rights are being violated. This is due to insufficient access to vital discovery documents necessary for his defense strategy.
The legal team argues that Bankman Fried’s trial preparation is hindered by restricted access to relevant documents. They stress the importance of him having uninterrupted access to an internet-enabled laptop.
This access enables him to meticulously review documents and conduct comprehensive online research to establish context. Furthermore, it would allow him to formulate analytical assessments of presented evidence and seamlessly exchange insights with his legal counsel.
Trial Preparation Struggles
However, contrasted against the current arrangement, which grants Bankman-Fried merely a scant 12 hours per week to utilize a courthouse computer sans internet connectivity. The attorneys argue that he is being denied the substantial 80 to 100 hours he had previously dedicated to pre-trial preparation before his detention.
The Legal team protests 4M new discovery docs by prosecution as unjust, given timing before trial. To address this, the attorneys are urging either Bankman-Fried’s temporary release from custody. Alternatively, they seek an increase in his computer access within the correctional facility. These adjustments would allow him to actively contribute to building his defense strategy.
The lawyers representing Bankman-Fried assert:
Even if Mr. Bankman-Fried were to be granted bail and afforded an unrestricted amount of time to peruse these documents, the sheer volume makes it implausible for him to complete the review before the trial commences. This instance is another vivid illustration of the prosecution overwhelming the defense with an extensive array of materials well after the initially stipulated deadlines.
Legal Team Challenges Bail Decision and Demands Equitable Trial Preparation for Bankman-Fried
Judge Lewis Kaplan, who withdrew Bankman-Fried’s $250 million bail last month, had previously expressed his intention to grant the founder substantial resources for trial preparation during his incarceration. However, Bankman-Fried’s legal team asserts that the current arrangements are inadequate compared to the freedoms he experienced while on bail.
The legal correspondence authored by Christian Everdell conveys dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts, asserting:
The government’s proposed solution, such as it is, is unacceptable and infringes upon Mr. Bankman-Fried’s Sixth Amendment rights. Furthermore, it fails to align with the Court’s prior indications that Mr. Bankman-Fried would be granted ‘extremely generous’ access to discovery materials, allowing him to engage for prolonged hours daily.
The attorneys’ submission underscores their determination to ensure Bankman-Fried’s access to a fair trial. Moreover, they are doing so by addressing the infringement on his legal rights and demanding a more equitable preparation process.
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