The decision was announced on Tuesday morning, as Weinstein’s legal team plans to rest their defense in his sexual assault trial.
After four days of witness testimony, Harvey Weinstein’s defense rested their case Tuesday morning, after calling a final witness and announcing that their client will not testify.
The prosecution rested their case last Thursday, after 13 days of witness testimony.
Donna Rotunno, Weinstein’s lead defense lawyer, is expected to present her closing argument Thursday, followed by lead prosecutor Joan Illuzzi. The jury could begin deliberating on their decision, which must be unanimous, by Tuesday of next week.
Earlier Tuesday, Weinstein’s lawyers announced that Weinstein would not be testifying in his New York County criminal trial.
The announcement was made after Weinstein’s lawyers consulted with their client during a lengthy recess in the day’s testimony.
During the jury selection process, Weinstein’s lawyers pressed potential jurors to ensure that they wouldn’t hold it against their client if he chooses not to testify in his defense.
“Are you going to hold it against Mr. Weinstein if he doesn’t testify?” defense lawyer Arthur Aidala asked potential jurors in early January. “You can assure us that if Mr. Weinstein elects his constitutional right to not testify, you’re not going to hold it against him?”
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