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In a courtroom showdown reminiscent of a legal chess match, a California federal judge steadfastly set Tom Girardi's criminal trial for May 21, rejecting the embattled attorney's bid to delay proceedings until 2025. The disbarred lawyer's defense team, seemingly caught off guard, faced the judge's insistence that they should have been prepared for the recent ruling affirming Girardi's competency to stand trial.

Girardi's Criminal Trial Set For May : Government's Urgent Plea for an Earlier Trial

During a morning hearing, federal prosecutors fervently urged U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton to schedule the trial for March or April. They raised concerns that any later date could provide the 84-year-old Girardi with another opportunity to raise competency issues, claiming a further deterioration of his mental state.

Ali Moghaddas, representing the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, emphasized the government's worry and cited allegations that Girardi misappropriated millions from his clients. The defense countered, with Girardi's attorney, J. Alejandro Barrientos, pushing for a 2025 trial due to the extensive discovery process and the imminent departure of co-counsel Craig A. Harbaugh.

Judge Staton Stands Firm Amid Legal Duel

Despite Barrientos' arguments, Judge Staton held her ground, asserting that the case had been in play for a considerable time. "Defense counsel always has to be thinking, 'What if my motion is denied?'" she remarked, referring to competency and suppression motions.

The legal theatrics unfolded less than a week after a Los Angeles judge affirmed Girardi's mental competency, a decision met with mixed reactions given the attorney's storied career and recent downfall.

Girardi's Criminal Trial Set For May : A Brief Retrospective

Girardi, once at the helm of the renowned personal injury firm Girardi Keese, saw his empire crumble in December 2020. A federal judge in Chicago found that Girardi and his firm had misappropriated at least $2 million from the survivors of victims in the 2018 Lion Air plane crash. This revelation prompted numerous former clients and co-counsel to come forward with similar allegations, leading to the firm's forced bankruptcy.

The attorney gained national attention for his role in a $333 million settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric, a case that inspired the 2000 film "Erin Brockovich." However, in early 2023, federal grand juries in California and Illinois indicted Girardi on 13 counts of wire fraud and four counts of criminal contempt. Girardi's son-in-law, David Lira, and former chief financial officer Christopher Kamon were also indicted, all pleading not guilty.

Girardi's Criminal Trial Set For May : May Trial Expected to Last Days, Not Weeks

On Wednesday, Ali Moghaddas revealed that the government had narrowed its case, focusing on four clients and five cases where Girardi is accused of illegally stealing settlement funds. Notably, the government avoids delving into the Lion Air case, aiming for a streamlined trial expected to last four or five days.

Moghaddas expressed concern that a lengthy delay could prompt renewed arguments by Girardi's team about his competency. Last week, Judge Staton sided with the government, declaring that Girardi was "exaggerating his symptoms" in claiming dementia.

Defense's 2025 Gambit: Sorting Through the Legal Maze

Barrientos argued for a 2025 trial, citing the need for new attorneys to sift through extensive discovery materials, including unreleased documents. The defense contended that the case complexity warranted the extended timeline.

However, Judge Staton remained unconvinced, asserting that the case did not appear overly complex before confirming the trial date for May 21.

 The Legal Saga Unfolds

As the legal saga continues, Girardi's criminal trial looms on the horizon, set for May 21. The courtroom drama promises twists and turns, with the legal chess match between the prosecution and defense poised to captivate observers in the coming months.