D.C. Superior Court | Koehler Law

Judicial Assignments for 2021: Criminal Calendar

Jamison Koehler October 25, 2020 D.C. Superior Court

Here are the recently posted judicial assignments for the D.C. Superior Court Criminal Calendar for 2021

The professionalism of D.C. court staff during Covid

Jamison Koehler October 8, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, D.C. Superior Court

Having also practiced in Pennsylvania and Virginia, I have a basis for comparison when I say good things about the system in Washington, D.C.

Good judge. Bad person.

Jamison Koehler October 5, 2020 Assault, Current Events, D.C. Superior Court

A D.C. Superior Court judge — always one of my favorites — retires abruptly after being accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

Bureaucratic delays plague motions to seal

Jamison Koehler September 3, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Criminal Procedure, D.C. Superior Court

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.

DPAs, DSAs and other D.C. diversion programs during Covid

Jamison Koehler August 20, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, D.C. Superior Court

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 government has discretion to terminate the agreements early.

With exceptions, D.C. Superior Court remains closed

Jamison Koehler August 18, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, D.C. Superior Court

D.C. Superior Court remains closed for most purposes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What this means for criminal cases is as follows.

How does the Covid-19 pandemic affect a defendant’s speedy trial rights in D.C.?

Jamison Koehler August 16, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Criminal Procedure, D.C. Superior Court

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 violated.

D.C. Superior Court Sign - Where to Pay Fees

Paying D.C. court costs, fees and fines during Covid-19 pandemic

Jamison Koehler August 3, 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, D.C. Superior Court

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.

Can I represent myself at a CPO hearing in DC?

Jamison Koehler August 2, 2020 D.C. Superior Court, Domestic Violence

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 hearings are acting pro se; that is, they are representing themselves.