r/FreeLuigi • u/cutieeblondee2000 • 3d ago

Question Can someone explain?

so i’m not too savvy when it comes to knowledge about American courthouses etc (originally from the UK) and just wanted to know if someone could explain this to me? It says he is set to appear in federal court on January 18th and could return ‘if prosecutors don’t get a grand jury indictment’ but then says his next scheduled appearance is February 21st. What exactly is happening on these two dates? Would appreciate any help on this. I am also hoping to go to the trial if it is open to the public so also trying to figure out what date that is. thanks friends!!

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u/cutieeblondee2000 3d ago

Article from the independent that mentions these two dates.

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u/yowhatupmom 3d ago

These dates are mostly for the attorneys to prep for the trial. Nothing is going to be revealed until the actual trial starts.

On January 18 I think he will make a plea in the federal case and February 21 is the next time he will appear for his state case. At the Feb 21 date his lawyers might make motions, make requests of the judge, etc just to get ready for the trial. For most people, these random “check ins” prior to the trial are opportunities for a plea deal to be made, but that is likely not going to happen here.

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u/juststattingaround 2d ago

But according to the Independent article that OP posted, LM could get a grand jury indictment after his appearance on January 18th? So wouldn’t that mean this is somewhat of a trial? I’m just as confused lol

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u/yowhatupmom 2d ago

It’s kind of like a mini trial, but only for the prosecution to prove that the charges should stick. Basically they need to provide enough proof to the judge that there should be a trial in the first place.

LM hasn’t plead not guilty to the federal charges yet though so that court appearance would need to happen first.

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u/-sweethearts 2d ago

so there has been a lot of debate as to whether certain charges are fair. at the ‘mini trial’ would this be when those charges can potentially get dropped?

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u/yowhatupmom 2d ago

Potentially, but a lot of times they bring as many charges as possible to trial just to see if some stick. This case is unlike any other though so there is no telling what the DOJ is planning to do.

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u/juststattingaround 2d ago

Ahh okay yes this makes sense!! I read also that there is a possibility of a “No Bill” with regard to the grand jury indictment. This is where the grand jury could say there’s nothing substantial to charge him on and the case is closed?? I doubt that would happen, but would be super cool!

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u/yowhatupmom 2d ago

Yes that is in the realm of possibilities, though unlikely!

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u/No-Explanation-5970 2d ago

Here's some info from the DOJ website to better explain preliminary hearings source

Keep in mind that January 18th is a Saturday, I believe they're waiting for accurate information on this because courts shouldn't be in session on weekends.

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u/Flimsy-Baseball9535 2d ago

I’m surprised the feds haven’t already secured a grand jury indictment. I thought those happen pretty quickly since the threshold is low.