Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
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...
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...
Can you go to jail for a protective order?
Although a civil protection order (CPO) is a civil matter, not a criminal one, being the subject of a CPO can lead to criminal charges...
Can a CPO be denied?
The court may not have “jurisdiction” (i.e., power) to issue the order. Or the court may decide, after holding a hearing, that there is not...
Should my CPO hearing “trail” my criminal case?
Although the usual practice is for the CPO hearing to “trail” the criminal case, the defendant/respondent might want the CPO hearing to go first....
Should I file a cross-petition in a CPO case in D.C.?
If you have been served with a civil protection order (CPO) petition in D.C. and you yourself are the victim of abuse, you can file...
Do I need a lawyer for a CPO hearing in D.C.?
Although many people proceed without legal representation, a good lawyer can serve as your advisor and advocate, particularly if you decide to litigate the CPO....
Finding reasonable doubt in a domestic violence case
There is always a defense in domestic violence cases in Washington, D.C....
Difference between domestic violence and simple assault in D.C.
A specific crime (e.g., simple assault) should not be confused with a general category of crimes (e.g., domestic violence)....
Can you get in trouble for sending dirty pictures of someone?
Yes. Most jurisdictions now have some form of a law to deal with the issue of “nonsensual pornography” (also known as “revenge porn”). There are...
Should I enter into a “CPO without admissions” in D.C.?
A person who has been served with a CPO petition in D.C. can enter into a “consent CPO without admissions.” The CPO is granted to...
The “Back Story” in a Civil Protection Order Hearing
I took a break yesterday afternoon from losing to Norm Pattis at Words with Friends to finish up a civil protection order hearing in D.C....