Illustrative photo for: SBF withdraws new trial request: Law professors’ revisions

Published 2026-04-23

Summary: FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried has withdrawn his motion for a new trial, telling a judge that his law professor parents had merely suggested improvements to the court filings. He continues to pursue a separate request for a new judge and maintains that the new-trial motion was withdrawn for now.

What We Know

  • SBF withdrew his Rule 33 motion for a new trial, according to his communication to Judge Lewis Kaplan.
  • He states that his law professor parents only offered suggestions to improve the court filings.
  • The withdrawal does not seem to affect other petitions, such as the appeal or the request for a judge reassignment.
  • He continues to maintain the separate request for a new judge to oversee his case.
  • The withdrawal was reported by multiple outlets and tied to ongoing discussions about fair proceedings before the court.

What’s Still Unclear

  • Whether any additional conditions or timelines accompanied the withdrawal beyond the letter to Judge Kaplan.
  • Current status and potential disposition of the appeal and the judge reassignment request.
  • Specific procedural implications of the withdrawal for the overall case timeline.

Context

Sam Bankman-Fried’s case has involved a series of motions and appeals related to trial procedures, potential new judges, and accusations surrounding the conduct of proceedings. The broader legal context includes ongoing scrutiny of court handling and fairness in high-profile financial-crime matters.

Why It Matters

The withdrawal of a motion for a new trial may affect the trajectory of post-conviction or post-indictment proceedings. Preserving or altering options for appeal and for changing judicial oversight can influence timelines, strategy, and public perception of the case’s handling in court.

What to Watch Next

  • Any updates on the appeal process and its milestones.
  • Decisions or filings related to the request for a new judge to oversee the case.
  • Further communications from the court regarding procedural rulings tied to these motions.

FAQ

Q: What did SBF withdraw?

A: He withdrew his Rule 33 motion for a new trial, stating he could not receive a fair hearing before Judge Lewis Kaplan, while continuing to pursue a separate request for a new judge.

Q: Does this affect the appeal or judge reassignment request?

A: Not according to the available information; sources indicate the appeal and the judge reassignment request remain pending.

Related coverage

Source Transparency

  • This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
  • Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
  • A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.

Original brief: FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried told a judge his law professor parents only made suggestions to improve the court filings he submitted seeking a new trial — a request the onetime crypto king is now withdrawing…

Sources


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