By Robert Haugh

The felony perjury trial of Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker is coming to a close.

Today, the prosecution and defense will present their closing arguments after 12 days of hearings.

Yesterday, the prosecution finished presenting its case. The Becker defense team decided to present no case and no witnesses. Wow.

Judge Javier Alcala asked Becker to publicly confirm that he decided not to testify on his own behalf. Becker said yes. 

Becker has a constitutional right to not incriminate himself. But his lack of willingness to testify probably hurts him.

According to sources following the legal proceedings, the prosecution presented a strong case.  The two most devastating witnesses against Becker were former 49ers executive and lobbyist Rahul Chandhok and City Councilmember Suds Jain.

Chandhok testified under immunity and said that Becker leaked him a 2022 Grand Jury report. Becker then lied about doing it when he was under oath.

Jain testified that Becker told him he gave the Grand Jury report to Santa Clara Weekly reporter Carolyn Schuk. 

But Jain covered up Becker’s criminal activity until he was forced to tell the truth while under oath, an action that legal and ethical experts consider unethical.

Jain received approximately $1.6 million in financial help from the 49ers in 2020 and 2024 through independent expenditures. The prosecutors were prepared to enter this information into the trial if Jain attempted to cover up again for Becker.

The jury could begin deliberations on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday. 

Becker delayed his trial and used a lot of public resources. He was indicted on April 13, 2023 – 601 days ago.

According to court watchers, Becker’s defense team kept the jury and judge busy for almost two weeks. They used a lot of objections and lengthy cross examinations that were pointless.

It’s possible that the jury will deliver a quick decision on Thursday or Friday.

If found guilty, Becker could serve up to four years in prison.