Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
The professionalism of D.C. court staff during Covid
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.
A D.C. Superior Court judge — always one of my favorites — retires abruptly after being accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl....
Remote sites now offered for D.C. court hearings
D.C. Superior Court now offers WIFI and computers for remote access to hearings at 5 locations. Call 202-879-1900 or email DCCourtsRemoteSites@dcsc.gov....
Bureaucratic delays plague motions to seal
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...
DPAs, DSAs and other D.C. diversion programs during Covid
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...
With exceptions, D.C. Superior Court remains closed
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.?
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...
Paying D.C. court costs, fees and fines during Covid-19 pandemic
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...
Can I represent myself at a CPO hearing in DC?
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...
What should I bring with me to a CPO hearing in D.C.?
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...
Obtaining a restraining order during the Covid-19 pandemic
Jamison Koehler
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07/31/2020
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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...
Presenting your best self at a virtual hearing
I am nosy. I am also a snob. I am curious what people choose to display in the background behind them during virtual hearings....
An interloper on the SCTLA listserv
The judge issues the order on the very same day that I complain publicly on the SCTLA listserv. On a Saturday. After sitting on the...
Bianca Forde: The view from her side of the courtroom
The photograph depicts Bianca Forde sitting in a New York criminal courtroom. In this courtroom, however, she is sitting at the defense table. She is...
My claim to fame
This website is my claim to fame at D.C. Superior Court. It is not my commanding courtroom presence or my oral advocacy skills. It is...