FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Requests Release of Medication During Trial
The lawyers representing FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried have requested that the judge presiding over his trial allow him to have access to his medication, Adderall. They claim that Bankman-Fried is having difficulty concentrating during the trial and that this is affecting his ability to participate in his defense. In a letter to Judge Lewis Kaplan, Bankman-Fried’s defense attorney explained that his client has not been receiving adequate doses of his medication from the Bureau of Prisons.
The defense team stated that Bankman-Fried suffers from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and requires medication throughout the day. However, since the trial began, he has only been able to take the drug once in the morning before going to court. This lack of access to medication is complicating the decision on whether Bankman-Fried should testify during the trial.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue Unsuccessful
The defense attorney revealed that they have tried to resolve the issue with prison officials but have received no response. As a solution, they proposed that Bankman-Fried be given an extended 12-hour dose of Adderall on Monday morning when the trial resumes. However, there is no guarantee that this request will be granted or if it will even be effective. As a last resort, they have asked for a one-day adjournment of the trial on Tuesday, October 17th, to find a suitable solution for the remainder of the proceedings.
Prosecutors Aim to Conclude Trial Soon
The prosecutors in the case anticipate wrapping up their case by midday on October 26th. At this point, it will be up to the defense to present their case. Bankman-Fried’s lawyers have been complaining about their client’s lack of access to medication since the trial began. They also mentioned that Bankman-Fried has struggled to maintain his strict vegan diet while in prison. The trial, which is focused on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy related to the collapse of the FTX exchange, is now in its third week. If convicted, Bankman-Fried could face up to 115 years in prison.
Hot Take: Bankman-Fried’s Medication Access Raises Concerns About Fair Trial
The request for Sam Bankman-Fried to have access to his medication during his trial raises concerns about whether he can receive a fair trial without proper medical treatment. It is crucial that defendants are able to fully participate in their defense and concentrate on the proceedings. Denying access to necessary medication could potentially compromise the defendant’s ability to engage effectively in their defense, leading to an unfair outcome. The judge should carefully consider this request and ensure that Bankman-Fried’s medical needs are met to guarantee a fair trial.
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