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.
