I like Mr. Williams
There are tons of criminal defense lawyers eager to tell their war stories. But how many people have been acquitted of a felony criminal offense?
View ArticleDealing with the crazies in C10
With almost 100 people making their way through arraignment court every day, it is inevitable that there will be a melt-down or two. After all, we are dealing with people who are finishing what for...
View ArticleJudges are human
The judge does not say: I am not willing to take your word for this, and I need to have a law clerk check this out. What he says instead: It is time for lunch. We will pass this matter until 2:00 pm.
View ArticleWriting about COVID-19 and the D.C. jail
How do you write about COVID-19 and the D.C. jail without resorting to hyperbole? How do you ask the judge to bend the rules?
View ArticleCriminal defense practice in the Covid era
We will learn. We will adapt. But as with so many other things in our lives, there will be the pre- and the post-Covid eras. Things will never be the same.
View ArticleStarting a criminal defense practice after Covid
The changes now being effected in response to the pandemic -- specifically the trend toward on-line hearings -- could pose challenges for new lawyers seeking to start criminal defense practices in D.C.
View ArticleMy claim to fame
This website is my claim to fame at D.C. Superior Court. It is not my commanding courtroom presence or my oral advocacy skills. It is not even my good looks. It is this website.
View ArticleBianca Forde: The view from her side of the courtroom
The photograph depicts Bianca Forde sitting in a New York criminal courtroom. In this courtroom, however, she is sitting at the defense table. She is in casual clothes. And she is looking pretty unhappy.
View ArticleAn interloper on the SCTLA listserv
The judge issues the order on the very same day that I complain publicly on the SCTLA listserv. On a Saturday. After sitting on the motion for over 9 months.
View ArticlePresenting your best self at a virtual hearing
I am nosy. I am also a snob. I am curious what people choose to display in the background behind them during virtual hearings.
View ArticleObtaining a restraining order during the Covid-19 pandemic
With D.C. Superior Court now closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Civil Protection Orders (CPOs), Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) and other forms of restraining orders must be obtained remotely.
View ArticleWhat should I bring with me to a CPO hearing in D.C.?
Although it is often helpful to have physical evidence to corroborate your version of events, the only thing you absolutely need to bring to a restraining order hearing in D.C. is yourself.
View ArticleCan I represent myself at a CPO hearing in DC?
Yes. You have the right to represent yourself in a legal matter. In fact, although virtually all defendants in a criminal case will be represented by a lawyer, parties at most restraining order...
View ArticlePaying D.C. court costs, fees and fines during Covid pandemic
With the D..C. Superior Court finance office now closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, courts costs, fines and fees can now be paid online or by mail.
View ArticleHow does the Covid-19 pandemic affect a defendant’s speedy trial rights in D.C.?
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the time between March 18 and November 9, 2020 will be "tolled." In other words, it will not count when calculating whether a defendant's speedy trial rights have been...
View ArticleWith exceptions, D.C. Superior Court remains closed
D.C. Superior Court remains closed for most purposes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What this means for criminal cases is as follows.
View ArticleDPAs, DSAs and other D.C. diversion programs during Covid
Hearings with respect to DPAs, DSAs and other diversion programs in Washington, D.C. will be postponed because of Covid-19. Although the agreements will remain in effect during this time, the...
View ArticleBureaucratic delays plague motions to seal
In a cynical attempt to elicit the court's sympathy, the government blames Covid-19 for its delays in responding to motions to seal criminal records. Bureaucratic incompetence is the true culprit. The...
View ArticleRemotes sites now offered for D.C. court hearings
D.C. Superior Court now offers WIFI and computers for remote access to hearings at 5 locations. Call 202-879-1900 or email DCCourtsRemoteSites@dcsc.gov. The post Remotes sites now offered for D.C....
View ArticleGood judge. Bad person.
A D.C. Superior Court judge -- always one of my favorites -- retires abruptly after being accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. The post Good judge. Bad person. first appeared on Koehler Law.
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