Former FTX chief Sam Bankman-Fried has formally withdrawn a Rule 33 motion seeking a new trial in his criminal case, a development that sits alongside the ongoing direct appeal of his conviction and sentence. The procedural maneuver underscores the complexity of post-trial relief in a high-profile crypto-firm collapse and highlights how federal courts manage pro se filings in tandem with formal appeals. Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud and related charges tied to the misuse of customer funds and was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison. He is currently incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Lompoc, California.

In a Wednesday filing with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Bankman-Fried responded to a March 23 order from Judge Lewis Kaplan that asked whether he had received any assistance from lawyers for a pro se motion. The order followed prosecutors’ questions about whether he had filed for an extension of his Rule 33 motion on his own, and after his mother, Barbara Fried, submitted a letter on his behalf—though she lacked standing. Bankman-Fried stated that he authored the letter but consulted with his parents because the matter concerns both of them. According to Cointelegraph, the letter was publicly posted on the docket on Wednesday.

“I am the author of this letter, but did consult with my parents about it, since it concerns both of them,” he wrote, adding: “As I have had to focus on responding to these questions rather than drafting a response to the prosecution’s opposition, and because I do not believe I will get a fair hearing on this topic in front of you, I am now requesting to withdraw the Rule 33 motion, without prejudice to renewing it after my direct appeal and the related request for reassignment have been ruled upon.”

The filing also notes that Bankman-Fried had previously requested that a different judge decide whether to grant a new-trial relief, arguing that Kaplan demonstrated “extreme prejudice.” He remains subject to an appellate review of his conviction and sentence by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Neither the withdrawal of the Rule 33 motion nor the public letter appears to have altered the status of the ongoing appeal or the scheduled considerations in the Second Circuit.

Bankman-Fried’s case—once at the helm of a major crypto platform before his 2023 conviction—continues to draw attention for the procedural intricacies of post-conviction relief in financial-crime prosecutions tied to the crypto sector. The defense strategy around pro se motions, potential reassignment, and the timing of any renewed Rule 33 filing all carry implications for how similarly situated defendants may approach post-conviction relief in high-stakes crypto litigation.

Key takeaways

• The Rule 33 motion seeking a new trial has been withdrawn without prejudice to renewal after the direct appeal and potential reassignment rulings.
• The withdrawal follows a court order requiring Bankman-Fried to address whether he received legal assistance for a pro se filing and after prosecutors questioned whether he filed for an extension independently.
• The public nature of the pro se motion and related filings continues to shape the procedural landscape of Bankman-Fried’s post-conviction efforts, including potential reassignment to a different judge for future proceedings.
• Bankman-Fried remains imprisoned while the Second Circuit reviews his conviction and sentence, with no immediate change to the appellate trajectory indicated by the filings.
• Separately, Bankman-Fried has signaled a desire to seek a presidential pardon, a line of inquiry that intersects with political considerations surrounding crypto enforcement and regulatory policy.

Procedural developments in the SDNY case

The core of the latest filings centers on Rule 33 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, which governs motions for a new trial. By withdrawing the pro se motion, Bankman-Fried preserves his right to pursue post-trial relief at a later stage, provided the direct appeal and any requested reassignment advance. The court’s March order—prompted by questions from prosecutors about self-representation in the motion—highlights the careful scrutiny federal judges apply to pro se requests in high-profile cases where the government has raised concerns about the basis and timing of relief efforts.

Bankman-Fried’s legal strategy has frequently referenced the possibility of procedural remedies beyond the direct appellate route. The defendant had previously urged that a different judge oversee the motion, alleging that Kaplan’s conduct could prejudice the proceedings. The record indicates that, while the defendant and his representatives have sought to challenge procedural aspects, the substantive grounds of his conviction remain the central issue on appeal. The public docket release of the letter underscores the transparency expectations in cases of such notoriety, and it frames the ongoing dialogue between defense, prosecution, and the court on how to handle post-conviction requests.

Appeals trajectory and potential case reassignment

The Second Circuit remains the focal point for Bankman-Fried’s efforts to overturn his conviction and sentence. The appellate review assesses the sufficiency of the evidence, the conduct of the trial, and the integrity of the proceedings, among other considerations. The current withdrawal of the Rule 33 motion does not conclude the post-trial relief discussion, as a renewed motion could be pursued after the appellate process and any reconsideration of judicial assignments. The fact pattern here illustrates how a defendant may compartmentalize different post-trial avenues—an immediate appeal, a potential new-trial motion, and a potential reassignment—without all being resolved simultaneously.

The procedural arc also reflects broader regulatory and enforcement themes in crypto-related cases. Courts have increasingly grappled with how to manage complex financial-law claims connected to digital assets, with outcomes bearing implications for how firms structure governance, risk controls, and executive accountability within the sector. The SBF case, in particular, continues to inform debates about the boundaries of post-conviction relief in tech-enabled financial markets and the extent to which procedural vehicles can be used to challenge or refine prosecutions in crypto-adjacent offenses.

Public pardon discourse and broader political context

Beyond the courtroom, Bankman-Fried has publicly signaled interest in seeking a presidential pardon, a possibility he has discussed in interviews and on social platforms. Such actions intersect with political narratives around crypto regulation and enforcement. Bankman-Fried has claimed that statements by individuals associated with the federal government affected witnesses, a line that aligns with his broader public posture regarding the trial process. He has also posted public remarks praising former President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency policies and expressing support for Trump’s broader policies in certain geopolitical areas.

High-profile political stances in relation to crypto enforcement can influence regulatory expectations and political risk for crypto firms and investors, even though they do not determine the outcomes of criminal proceedings. Trump, for his part, has publicly indicated that he would not pardon Bankman-Fried, a stance reported in major outlets and part of the public discourse surrounding post-conviction possibilities. The interplay between executive clemency discussions, ongoing legal challenges, and regulatory oversight underscores how political developments may intersect with legal processes in crypto markets.

In sum, Bankman-Fried’s latest filings reveal a cautious approach to post-trial relief, while maintaining a broader strategy that includes appellate review and potential reconsideration of procedural avenues. The case continues to serve as a touchstone for regulatory policy, enforcement actions, and the evolving framework governing crypto entities and their leadership in an era of intensified oversight.

Looking ahead, observers will monitor the Second Circuit’s handling of the direct appeal and any renewed Rule 33 motion, as well as any developments related to reassignment procedures. The unfolding sequence will contribute to the jurisprudence shaping post-conviction relief in crypto-related prosecutions and will inform institutional compliance practices as regulators adapt to a rapidly evolving market structure.

Key points:

• Bitcoin’s rise above the $78,333 resistance opens the door for a rally to $84,000.

• Several major altcoins are attempting to rise above their resistance levels, signaling aggressive buying at lower levels.

Bitcoin (BTC) rallied above $79,000, indicating that the bulls are back in the game. Crypto market intelligence platform Decode said in a post on X that BTC was ready for a short squeeze, waiting for the bulls to light a fuse in a loaded cannon.

Select analysts expect the current relief rally to pick up strength. CryptoQuant analyst CW8900 said in a post on X that BTC’s adjusted Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL), the difference between total profits and losses currently held by investors, has turned positive. That suggests BTC’s downtrend has ended and the “real rally of this cycle has begun.”

The sharp recovery off the $60,000 level has pushed the Bitcoin Bull Score Index (BSI) into neutral territory for the first time since the bear market began. However, there was a word of caution from CryptoQuant contributor Julio Moreno, who said in a post on X that the BSI had entered neutral territory for a week during March 2022 but had resumed its decline later.

Could BTC and select major altcoins extend their recovery? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.

Bitcoin price prediction

BTC turned up from the 20-day exponential moving average ($73,758) on Monday and rose above the $78,333 level on Wednesday, indicating an advantage to the bulls. 

If the BTC price remains above the $78,333 level, the likelihood of a rally to $84,000 increases. Such a move suggests that the BTC/USDT pair may have bottomed out at $60,000.

The 20-day EMA is the critical level to watch out for on the downside. Sellers will have to pull the price below the 20-day EMA to invalidate the bullish setup. The pair may then collapse to the 50-day simple moving average ($70,934).

Ether price prediction

Ether (ETH) rebounded off the 20-day EMA ($2,273) on Monday, indicating a change in sentiment from selling on rallies to buying on dips.

The upsloping moving averages and the RSI in the positive zone signal that the path of least resistance is to the upside. If buyers clear the $2,465 hurdle, the ETH/USDT pair may surge toward the resistance level and then toward $2,800.

The first sign of weakness will be a break and close below the 20-day EMA. That signals the bulls are booking profits. The ETH price may then slump to the 50-day SMA ($2,157) and later to the support line.

XRP price prediction

XRP (XRP) turned up from the moving averages on Monday, indicating that the bulls are viewing the dips as a buying opportunity.

Buyers will attempt to push the XRP price to the downtrend line of the descending channel pattern, where the bears are expected to sell aggressively. If the price turns sharply down from the downtrend line, it suggests that the XRP/USDT pair may spend more time inside the channel.

Buyers will get back into the driver’s seat if they propel and sustain the price above the downtrend line. The pair may then climb to the $2 level, signaling a short-term trend change.

BNB price prediction

BNB (BNB) turned up from the 20-day EMA ($623) on Monday and rose above the $649 resistance on Wednesday. 

If buyers sustain the price above $649, the BNB/USDT pair may surge toward $687. Sellers are expected to mount a strong defense at $687, but if the bulls pierce the resistance, the recovery may extend to $790.

On the other hand, if the BNB price turns sharply lower from the overhead resistance and breaks below the moving averages, it suggests the pair may remain within the $687 to $570 range for a while longer.

Solana price prediction

Solana (SOL) continues to trade near the moving averages, indicating a balance between supply and demand.

If the price rises above $91, the SOL/USDT pair may climb to the overhead resistance at $98. Sellers are expected to fiercely defend the $98 level, but if the bulls prevail, the uptrend may reach $117.

Alternatively, if the SOL price turns down from the overhead resistance and breaks below the moving averages, it suggests that the range-bound action may extend for a few more days.

Dogecoin price prediction

Dogecoin (DOGE) turned up from the moving averages on Monday, indicating that the bulls are attempting a comeback.

The DOGE price may rise to the psychological level of $0.10, where the bears are expected to step in. However, if buyers do not give up much ground to the bears, the prospects of a rally to the $0.12 overhead resistance increase.

Time is running out for the bears. They will have to swiftly pull the price back below the $0.09 level to retain the advantage. If they do that, the DOGE/USDT pair may slump to the Feb. 6 low of $0.08.

Hyperliquid price prediction

Hyperliquid (HYPE) bounced off the 50-day SMA ($38.41) on Tuesday, indicating that the bulls are buying the dips.

The 20-day EMA ($40.90) is flattening, and the RSI is near the midpoint, indicating weakening bullish momentum. That increases the likelihood of a range formation in the near term.

The 50-day SMA is the crucial support to watch out for on the downside, as a close below it may deepen the pullback to $34.45. On the upside, bulls will need to push the HYPE/USDT pair above $45.77 to signal a resumption of the uptrend. 

Related: ‘Powerful move’ looms for Bitcoin price, says Bollinger Bands indicator

Cardano price prediction

Cardano (ADA) has risen to the stiff resistance zone between the 50-day SMA ($0.26) and the downtrend line.

If buyers push and sustain the ADA price above the downtrend line, it signals a potential short-term trend change. The ADA/USDT pair may then rally to $0.32, then to $0.37.

On the other hand, if the price turns sharply down from the downtrend line and breaks below the $0.22 level, it suggests the pair may remain within the descending channel for some time.

Bitcoin Cash price prediction

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has broken above the 50-day SMA ($454), indicating solid demand at lower levels.

The moving averages are on the verge of a bullish crossover, indicating that the bulls have the upper hand. Buyers will attempt to strengthen their position by pushing the BCH price above the $486 resistance. If they succeed, the BCH/USDT pair may rally to $520. 

Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns down from the current level or the overhead resistance and breaks below the moving averages, it suggests that the pair may form a range for some time.

Monero price prediction

Monero (XMR) surged and closed above $382 on Tuesday, but bulls are struggling to sustain the gains.

If the price remains above the $382 level, the XMR/USDT pair may initiate a new uptrend toward the pattern’s target of $462.

Contrary to this assumption, if the XMR price closes below $382, it suggests that the bears are selling on rallies. The pair may then pull back to the moving averages, which are likely to act as strong support. If the price rebounds off the moving averages, the bulls will again attempt to initiate the uptrend.