Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has put together a high-powered legal defence as he prepares to face federal charges in the United States, appointing prominent Washington-based attorney Barry J. Pollack as his lead counsel.
Bloomberg and CNN reported that Pollack formally entered the case by filing a notice of appearance in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Maduro is expected to be tried.
Maduro faces multiple serious charges, including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to traffic cocaine into the United States, in a case that has been built by US prosecutors over several decades.
Charges Stem From Long-Running US Investigation
Maduro was flown to New York after being captured during a US special forces operation in Caracas, a dramatic development that capped a lengthy federal investigation. According to US authorities, Maduro and senior members of Venezuela’s leadership abused their official positions for more than 25 years to enable large-scale cocaine shipments bound for the United States.
The US Justice Department alleges that Maduro provided logistical support to major drug trafficking organisations, including Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. Prosecutors claim he helped traffickers evade law enforcement by issuing diplomatic passports and extending official protections.
Trial to Be Overseen by Veteran Federal Judge
The case, titled USA v. Carvajal-Barrios, is being heard before District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, a long-serving and widely respected jurist in the Southern District of New York. Pollack is expected to pursue a complex defence strategy that may include arguments related to sovereign immunity, given Maduro’s continued assertion that he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president despite the installation of an acting leader.
The defence may also challenge the prosecution by arguing that the charges are selective or politically motivated.
Who Is Barry Pollack?
Pollack is a seasoned criminal defence attorney with decades of experience in high-stakes and politically sensitive cases. He is internationally recognised for representing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and for negotiating the plea agreement that led to Assange’s release from prison last year, thereby ending a prolonged legal battle with U.S. authorities.
A partner at Harris, St Laurent & Wechsler, Pollack has built a reputation for taking on cases widely viewed as unwinnable. Over his more than 30-year legal career, he has secured major courtroom victories, including the complete acquittal of a former Enron executive accused of criminal fraud following the company’s collapse.
Track Record Beyond High-Profile Defendants
Pollack is also recognised for extensive pro bono work. He played a central role in overturning the wrongful conviction of Martin Tankleff, who spent 17 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit. Pollack later represented Tankleff in a civil lawsuit that resulted in a $13.4 million settlement.
A Lawyer Known for High-Risk Defence
Currently a partner at Harris St Laurent & Wechsler LLP, Pollack’s practice spans financial and business crimes, public corruption, national security cases, and complex investigations involving alleged fraud in securities, taxation, healthcare and banking. His professional credentials include a fellowship in both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Criminal Lawyers.
He has also previously served as president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, placing him among the most respected defence attorneys in the United States.
Separate Counsel for Cilia Flores
Meanwhile, Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, will be represented by Mark Donnelly, a former US Justice Department prosecutor. Donnelly has also formally informed the court of his appearance in the case, according to court filings cited by Bloomberg and CNN.
