Kim Dotcom could have his fate sealed by early next year.  

The tech mogul may soon find himself on trial in the US after Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith confirmed he'd signed his extradition.  

Former Auckland University Professor of Law Bill Hodge told Ryan Bridge Dotcom's penultimate step is a judicial review, but he can't precisely predict how long this would take.  

He says if it's a typical judicial review, it could ideally be done within six months, and wonders if the court will expedite it. 

Hodge says his Kiwi family may be his strongest defence. 

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