Firing Andrew Crespo
I am watching what has to be the best cross-examination at a probable cause hearing I have ever seen. It is a new attorney from the Public Defender Service (PDS), someone I have never seen before, and he… Read More
A Guilty Plea at D.C. Superior Court
Guest Post by Emma Brush A visit to Arlington was the occasion for this undeserved opportunity of mine to post. Originally, my Uncle Jamie had a jury trial scheduled. Knowing that I was considering law school, he thought… Read More
D.C. Welcomes NLADA’s Mark Houldin
Mark Houldin has accepted a job with the National Legal Aid and Defender Association(NLADA). NLADA is the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit association “devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel.” Moving… Read More
My Corner Office With a Window
Here is my investigator Wayne Marshall standing in my “corner office with a window” in the D.C. Superior Court cafeteria. I can’t believe the receptionist let him through without an appointment. We are currently in trial which explains… Read More
Why I Like D.C.’s Public Defender Service
When I worked as a public defender in Philadelphia, we had what I can only describe as an uneasy relationship with the private criminal defense bar. Looking at it from the standpoint of the PD’s office, there were… Read More
Still Brady v. Maryland
The prosecutor can hardly blame me for being skeptical. I ask her about one of the counts that was dropped from the complaint, and she tells me it was because the complaining witness said a few things to… Read More
Open Letter to an Honest Cop
Dear Officer Parrish: A couple of weeks ago, I cross-examined one of your colleagues from the 3rd District. The issue at that hearing was similar to the one under consideration today: Whether or not the arresting officer had… Read More
D.C. Criminal Defense Bar Welcomes Joshua Hubner
Joshua Hubner has left the Office of the Attorney General in D.C. to join the ranks of the District’s criminal defense attorneys. When he approached me in the hallway this morning, I assumed he wanted to talk with… Read More
Judge Knowles Nominated for D.C. Associate Judgeship
D.C. Magistrate Judge Kimberley Knowles has been nominated by President Obama to serve as a D.C. Superior Court associate judge. Assuming the nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Judge Knowles will fill the seat left by retiring… Read More
“Jejomar Untalan Was On The Brief For Appellant”
You never want to find your name on the wrong side of the “v.” As in: United States v. [Your Name Here]. If it is a criminal case, it means that you have been charged with a crime…. Read More
