Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was denied bail the second time by Judge Shelyna Brown during a hearing at the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, California on Monday.
Velasquez was represented by his attorney Mark Geragos in the courtroom. Geragos did not agree with the court’s decision but sees the silver lining in the outcome.
Cain Velasquez denied bail again
Talking to MMA Junkie on the day of the hearing, Geragos pointed out the irony in the ruling and shared a positive outcome from the discussion.
“Obviously, I respectfully disagree. I think the court has ruled on the facts of the law. However, if there is any kind of of a silver lining, it’s that the court opined he has a viable defense”
“There is a degree of irony in that the accused pedophile and his presumed co-conspirators are out there trying to claim the mantle of victim. I’ll leave it at that. I always prefer having a client out, but Cain is strong. I look forward to vindicating him.”
Geragos didn’t expand further on what he was alluding to. It could be a reference to the judge’s analysis of traumatic brain injuries and CTE’s relevance in a trial case.
CTE argument may hold weight
For the second request for bail, the defense put forward their arguments of possible brain damage that could’ve led to Velasquez acting on impulse. Geragos argued medical evaluations provided evidence of TBI and possible CTE.
Judge Brown rejected the new arguments as she denied bail for the second time on the basis of maintained “risk analysis”. While she may not have deemed it appropriate for bail, she stated that brain injuries “might be a suitable defense or a pertinent defense or something that should be considered for mitigation.”
Velasquez will be back in court June 10 for his plea hearing which was given a new date twice after being granted continuances on each occasion. He faces three counts each of assault with a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon, along with one count each for the charges of attempted murder, shooting at a motor vehicle or aircraft, willfully discharging a firearm from a vehicle, and carrying a loaded firearm with intent to commit a felony.
If found guilty of attempted murder, Velasquez could be looking at a minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison. He may get additional time if found guilty of other counts.
