The legal battle between Ripple and the SEC continues, with anticipation mounting for the next stage of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit. While recent developments have brought some optimism for XRP holders, uncertainty remains about how the case will unfold. 2023 saw Judge Analisa Torres’s landmark ruling stating that secondary sale of XRP doesn’t classify it as a security, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions from both sides. In this latest development, Ripple and the SEC have jointly filed a motion to unlock $125 million from escrow, allocating $50 million to settle legal costs and transferring the remaining funds to Ripple. Attorney John Deaton sheds light on potential implications of this move, offering insight into his understanding of Judge Torres’s probable decision. He states that he anticipates a high probability (70%) of the judge granting the requested relief and outlines further reasoning behind his perspective. Deaton acknowledges the experience of the lawyers representing Ripple, noting their expertise in legal matters. However, he emphasizes that Ripple should have highlighted potential negative impacts new regulatory policies could have on the broader crypto market, particularly in light of competitors like Circle gaining a significant advantage due to the existing court order. Deaton highlights his belief that Ripple’s argument for rescission of Judge Torres’ ruling based solely on recent case precedents may be weak and lacks sufficient justification, urging for stronger arguments to challenge the current outcome.