Koehler Law Blog

Civil protection order (CPO) hearings begin again in D.C. Superior Court. Trials in misdemeanor domestic violence (DV) cases in which the defendant is in custody...

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...

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...

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...

You have to love the “no-lose” questions on cross-examination. Yes or no. You win no matter how the witness responds....

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...

Although the usual practice is for the CPO hearing to “trail” the criminal case, the defendant/respondent might want the CPO hearing to go first....

If you have been served with a civil protection order (CPO) petition in D.C. and you yourself are the victim of abuse, you can file...

Although many people proceed without legal representation, a good lawyer can serve as your advisor and advocate, particularly if you decide to litigate the CPO....

The judge informs me that I am “badgering” the witness. I have heard of “arguing with a witness” and “harassing a witness.” Until the judge...