Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
Ode to D.C. Superior courtroom clerks
Jada Aristilde, one of my favorite courtroom clerks, has left the building. Ms. Aristilde leaned over to me in courtroom 314 earlier this week after...
On interacting with the jury after trial
Trying to read the jury can be a humbling experience. Many years ago, during a DUI trial in D.C., I was encouraged by a young...
“No matter what” and the U.S. Attorney for D.C.
Jamison Koehler
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02/05/2025
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“No matter what.” These are chilling words to hear from any law enforcement official. After all, given the enormous stakes involved in a criminal prosecution,...
On sycophants, yes men and self-respect
Here is the recently released statement of Edward R. Martin, the new U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia: “I want to thank President...
“Not guilty” in two cases and on all counts
Trials can be challenging. The stakes are high, and the pressure can be unrelenting. I have been feeling the strain. It was therefore particularly gratifying...
Negotiating the “proffer of facts” in a plea agreement
As part of a plea agreement, the government typically requires the defendant to agree to a “proffer of facts,” a written statement of the evidence...
D.C.’s new criminal record sealing and expungement statute
Scheduled to take effect in January 2026, D.C.’s new criminal record sealing and expungement statute should make it much easier for people to move on...
Renewal of CJA Panel for 2024
Chief Judge Josey-Herring issued an order on March 15, 2024 that renewed the list of attorneys eligible to accept appointments under the Criminal Justice Act....
A man with a destination
Dressed nicely and sitting outside the lawyer’s lounge, the woman always appeared to be speaking on the phone about some weighty constitutional issue....
Lousy plea offers. More trials.
We got spoiled during the pandemic with favorable plea offers. The government was trying to resolve as many cases as possible. Those times are over....
Checking the room for U.S. Marshalls
Judges love to keep us in suspense. Before announcing a verdict, they like to give us a detailed description of their reasoning. This can be...
Rest in Peace, Noah Clements
Friend and former colleague Noah Clements died last night, just after 11:00 pm. He leaves behind his wife and their three children: Wiley, Eric, and...
Quashing a CPO Petition in D.C.
The court’s ability to hear a CPO matter in Washington, D.C. requires proof of an “intra-family offense” with sufficient connection to the District....
A “two-tiered justice system” at the D.C. Jail
Yes, Marjorie Taylor Greene, there is a two-tiered justice system in effect at the D.C. jail. Unlike their black and brown counterparts at the Central...
Farewell to Judge William Nooter
Retiring D.C. Superior Court Judge William Nooter was honored at a surprise farewell for him....