Cain Velasquez has been given a new date for his plea hearing.
Attorney Mark Geragos asked Judge S. Franco for a continuance citing a need to work through discovery. This marked the third request by Geragos in as many hearings at Santa Clara County Hall of Justice in San Jose, CA. District attorney representative Aaron French was in agreement with the request.
Cain Velasquez gets a new plea hearing date
Geragos submitted his statements asking for an extension after consulting at the sidebar.
“We’ve discussed at sidebar we’re working through discovery issues and we need to set this, with the court’s blessing, for June 30 in this courtroom.
“If we can’t work out our discovery issues, I’ll follow the court’s procedures for the other court and we can set a date, hopefully before that date. This to reserve a date in this court.” (h/t MMA Junkie)
Judge Franco granted the continuance and set a new plea hearing date for June 30.
By discovery, Geragos is referring to the legal process of exchanging information between two litigating parties before a hearing or trial. The information can include witnesses, documents, or updated evidence.
Velasquez is facing 20 years and up to life in prison
The former UFC Heavyweight champion was arrested on February 28 after allegedly firing a gun in the direction of Harry Goularte Jr, who was out on bail following an arrest for “lewd acts with a minor under the age of 14”. The bullet ended up striking Goularte’s stepfather Paul Bender who claims to still be dealing with physical and emotional trauma from the incident.
Velasquez is facing charges of one count each 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. In addition to this, he also faces three counts each of assault with a firearm, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Velasquez could be looking at a sentence of a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison, if found guilty. He may face more time on his sentence if found guilty of other counts.
