NEWSJudge Approves Josh Duggar's Request For Extension To File 'New Motion' After Lawyer Vows To Appeal Guilty Child Pornography Verdict: Report
Josh Duggar's plea for an extension to file a new motion in his child pornography case has reportedly been granted.
As OK! reported, the embattled reality star was found guilty on two counts of possessing and receiving child pornography on December 9 following a nearly two-week trial. After the guilty verdict, Duggar's attorney, Justin Gelfand, maintained he planned to file an appeal.
According to The Sun, the 33-year-old's legal team requested additional time to file the post-trial motions, as the deadline is 30 days after the verdict, meaning the motion would've had to have been filed by January 8.
On Wednesday, January 5, Duggar's team reportedly filed an "unopposed motion for additional time to file post-trial motions." The filing requested a ten day extension to file the post-trial motions, which commonly includes a motion for a new trial in addition to a motion for judgement acquittal.
"The defense has ordered the trial transcripts in this matter and have been informed by the court reporter that the transcripts are expected to be completed next week," the court documents reportedly read.
"Because the transcripts are necessary with respect to certain issues Duggar intends to raise in his post-trial motions, Duggar respectfully requests that this Court grant this request for a brief extension of 10 additional days in which to file his motions so that the transcripts may be utilized and so that this Court will have a more precise record from which to consider Duggar’s motions," the filings concluded, per the outlet.
Judge Timothy L. Brooks reportedly approved Duggar's request, giving the 19 Kids and Counting alum and his legal team until January 18, 2022, to file any motions.
Duggar was arrested in April following a 2019 Homeland Security raid on his car dealership in Arkansas. Illegal pornographic content was found on a computer at his workplace — including images of minors under the age of 12, OK! reported. At the time, Josh pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bond.
The disgraced television personality now faces up to $250,000 in fines for each count, and up to 20 years in prison.
