Why am I charged with Theft II when I was arrested for shoplifting?
July 15, 2019
People who are arrested for shoplifting in Washington, D.C. are often surprised to find themselves charged with “theft II” when they show up for court.
A prosecutor is caught in a lie
An Assistant U.S. Attorney has been referred for disciplinary action after being caught misrepresenting facts before a U.S. District Court.
What is a “suspended sentence” in D.C.?
July 12, 2019
Jail time that is “suspended” will only be served if the defendant fails to comply with the terms of the sentence.
Is spitting on someone simple assault in D.C.?
July 11, 2019
Spitting on someone would satisfy the definition of an “offensive touching” provided that the government could prove that the defendant’s actions were intentional and not by mistake or accident.
Can you go to jail for a protective order?
July 10, 2019
Although a civil protection order (CPO) is a civil matter, not a criminal one, being the subject of a CPO can lead to criminal charges if you are accused of violating the order.
Excessive force is still the standard for self-defense in an APO case
July 9, 2019
The standard for asserting self-defense in an assault case involving a police officer is still whether or not the police officer used excessive force during the arrest.
Open season on police officers?
July 8, 2019
According to a plain reading of D.C.’s new resisting arrest statute, you can lawfully resist your own Terry stop.
Can a CPO be denied?
July 7, 2019
The court may not have “jurisdiction” (i.e., power) to issue the order. Or the court may decide, after holding a hearing, that there is not “good cause” to believe a crime was committed.
“This is great. We’ll take it.”
July 2, 2019
My wife and I have gone full circle. We started off our lives together in a small rental apartment in D.C. Three kids, four cities, six houses and a lifetime later, we are now back in a small rental apartment in D.C.
What should I do after receiving a hit-and-run letter from D.C. police?
June 25, 2019
The letter from the Metropolitan Police Department sounds ominous. Your car has been involved in a hit-and-run accident in D.C. You should come in for an interview at a specific time and place.
