Anti-Stalking Orders in D.C.
The Intrafamily Offenses and Anti-Stalking Orders Amendment Act of 2020 created a new process — an Anti-Stalking Order (ASO) — to deal with allegations of stalking in Washington, D.C. in which the parties are not related or in a domestic relationship. Violation of an ASO is punishable as criminal contempt.
No room for the boy
Representing the bad guys: Criminal defense lawyers sometimes make tradeoffs when we take on domestic violence cases
Cross-examining a pro se petitioner in a CPO case
Trying a case — in this case, a CPO hearing — against an unrepresented party is always an experience.
New CPO law takes effect in D.C.
D.C.’s new law on civil protection orders (CPOs) redefines the category of people eligible for protection. It also extends coverage to animals, minors and victims of sex trafficking.
CPO hearings and some DV trials begin again
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 will resume in December.
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 by a lawyer, parties at most restraining order hearings are acting pro se; that is, they are representing themselves.
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 restraining order hearing in D.C. is yourself.
Obtaining a restraining order during the Covid-19 pandemic
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 must be obtained remotely.
A “no-lose” question at a CPO hearing
You have to love the “no-lose” questions on cross-examination. Yes or no. You win no matter how the witness responds.
Truth=good. Lie=bad.
Complaining witnesses lie on the stand. This never ceases to amaze me. They could be telling the absolute truth about events that led to the criminal prosecution. But when they get on the stand and they are challenged on details during cross-examination, they abandon the truth.
