Sam Bankman-Fried's attorneys are attempting once more to have the disgraced FTX founder temporarily released from custody prior to his October trial on the grounds that he requires better access to better prepare his case.
Legal professionals highlight Bankman-Fried's essential expertise for complex trial preparation
Sam Bankman-Fried's legal team said in a letter to U.S. judge Lewis Kaplan on Monday that the present limitations on visiting their client at Manhattan's Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) are "not workable" for a case this complicated.
Lawyers write in the letter that "this case is highly technical and complex, and we need our client to help us understand the facts and explain many of the issues." "He alone is aware of the facts, which are essential for building a solid defense. Unfortunately, because they are unfamiliar with the underlying facts and are unable to assist, other specialists are unable to duplicate his expertise and insight.
In order to review each day's testimony and documents, Bankman-Fried's attorneys claim they need extra time to spend with him outside of custody on evenings and weekends. They assert that Bankman-Fried possesses crucial factual knowledge that outside specialists do not.
The attorneys also put forth stringent requirements for Bankman-Fried's release, such as private protection, no use of computers or phones, and a gag order that forbade him from speaking to anybody but his family and attorneys. According to Bankman-Fried's legal team:
Throughout the evening, a security guard will stay with Mr. Bankman-Fried at the temporary apartment and make sure he doesn't have access to any computers, cellphones, the Internet, televisions, or other electronic devices. No visitors are allowed in Mr. Bankman-Fried's temporary residence.
After Kaplan revoked Bankman-Fried's $250 million bail in December due to worries he could still obtain money and flee, this is the third attempt to have him released. Kaplan has consistently refused petitions for release while noting the difficulties involved in getting ready for a difficult trial.
The defense team emphasizes in their most recent letter that this does not exclude them from reapplying. They contend that a lack of access to Bankman-Fried may cause appeals concerns. Detaining Bankman-Fried throughout the trial, according to the attorneys, will give them little opportunity to meet outside of the mornings.
Bankman-Fried may spend an incredible 115 years in prison if proven guilty of fraud and money laundering. On October 3, jury selection will begin. It's expected that the trial will last anywhere from six weeks to several months.
What do you think of Bankman-Fried's attorneys' demand for his release before to trial? Post your ideas and viewpoints on this topic in the comments area below.