by Chivis Martinez for Borderland Beat
Surprising news came today in the U.S. case against Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, The judge granted defense's request for a trial continuance.
On Monday, subsequent to defense unopposed request, the judge indicated he would make the decision in February, only two months before the scheduled trial.
Docket text on Monday:
RESCHEDULING ORDER as to Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera. The Status Conference previously set for 1/19/2018 is rescheduled by the Court to 2/15/2018 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 8D South. By 2/8/2018, the parties are to submit separately their proposed agendas for the 2/15/2018 status conference. Time is excluded under the Speedy Trial Act until 2/15/2018; case previously designated complex. Ordered by Judge Brian M. Cogan on 1/8/2018.
Not knowing if the court date would be postponed would put a hardship on the defense, however in today’s ruling the defense is granted the continuance. They are scheduled to attend a statjus meeting where thy will determine the exact trial date sometime in September.
Todays’ Docket Text ruling:U.S. District CourtEastern District of New York
The following transaction was entered on 1/10/2018 at 4:58 PM EST and filed on 1/10/2018
Case Name: USA v. Beltran-Leyva et al [this is the indictment title]Case Number: 1:09-cr-00466-BMC-RLM
ORDER granting defendant's unopposed motion as to Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman to continue trial. Because summer vacation schedules may significantly reduce the jury pool should the trial begin in August, the trial will be reset for a date in September 2018. Counsel are directed to clear their calendars for September and to come to the next status conference prepared to discuss the appropriate date in September. Ordered by Judge Brian M. Cogan on 1/10/2018.