NEW YORK (CNN) - The judge in the El Chapo case is not guaranteeing that the accused cartel leader's private lawyer will be paid. Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán was in Brooklyn federal court for a pre-trial hearing on Monday.
The accused Mexican drug lord was extradited to the U.S. to face trial after several daring escapes from Mexican jails. The issue was if the government would seize any money he tries to pay private lawyers. The judge said the government could choose to take the money.
Jeffrey Lichtman, a former attorney for John Gotti Jr., says he plans to represent El Chapo, but needs to make sure he will be paid.
El Chapo was not cuffed or shackled during Monday's hearing. He looked back at his family several times, smiling at his wife and two young daughters. The next hearing is set for Nov. 6.
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