Criminal threat requires ability to follow through
May 17, 2021
Telling someone that you will “slap” his/her “bitch ass” is threatening on its face. But criminal threats require the ability to follow through.
New CPO law takes effect in D.C.
May 4, 2021
D.C.’s new law on civil protection orders (CPOs) redefines the category of people eligible for protection. It also extends coverage to animals, minors and victims of sex trafficking.
Assessing attorney fees in CPO cases in D.C.
April 28, 2021
Parties who prevail in a CPO hearing can file a motion asking the court to assess legal fees against the other party. Respondents must prove “bad faith.”
D.C. Superior Court extends judicial emergency
March 31, 2021
D.C. Superior Court has again extended the judicial emergency, this time through May 10, 2021. The Court will expand some operations.
Navigating D.C. Superior Court
March 27, 2021
Everything you need to know (webpages, emails and phone numbers) to navigate your way around D.C. Superior Court’s Criminal Division during the pandemic.
Meet Bob
March 21, 2021
Meet my new investigator Bob. I think you will like him. Because every defendant deserves a good defense.
I don’t want to be that guy
March 4, 2021
I have to be careful — as I grow more experienced and continue to age –that I don’t turn into the stereotype of the cranky old criminal defense lawyer.
On the right to testify in Graves v. U.S.
March 1, 2021
It is reversible error for the trial judge to prohibit the defendant from testifying that he was acting in self-defense when the court had already concluded that the arresting officer had not used excessive force.
Withdrawing consent for a search
February 28, 2021
Although a person can always revoke consent to a warrantless search, such a withdrawal of permission must be clearly and unequivocally communicated. So held the D.C. Court of Appeals in Ford v. United States.
On the “buyer’s agent” defense in Simms v. United States
February 11, 2021
There is a “buyer’s agent” defense in D.C. after all – at least with respect to drug distribution charges involving marijuana.
