Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman might take the stand at his own trial.
Lawyers for the Mexican drug lord submitted the kingpin’s name to the government as a potential witness for the defense, it was revealed in court Tuesday.
“There’s a possibility that he might,” Chapo’s attorney Eduardo Balarezo told The New York Daily News.
“Mr. Guzman has a right to testify in his own defense — he also has a constitutional right to remain silent, and that should not be held against him. With respect to whether or not he will testify, the defense has not made a final decision, but it is possible.”
Guzman, 61, who diligently takes notes during proceedings each day, has a reputation for talking when it might not be in his best interest — like his interview with actor Sean Penn for Rolling Stone magazine in September 2015 while he was on the lam following his second escape from prison.
“I supply more heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana than anybody else in the world. I have a fleet of submarines, airplanes, trucks and, boats,” he told Penn.
If he takes the stand, Chapo will have the chance to respond to devastating testimony made against him by nearly a dozen former associates during his trial.
Guzman has been on trial in federal court in Brooklyn since November 2018, where he has pleaded not guilty to more than a dozen felony charges related to drug trafficking, murder conspiracy, money laundering, and firearms.
If convicted of the top count — leading a continuing criminal enterprise — he faces life behind bars.
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