Notes from practice · D.C. Superior Court
“He does not see the bend, behind, that will take him from view”
This is not a Disney movie. That impassive face with the dull eyes never once brightened to see me. He never confided in me, even...
I Will Miss The Kids
As I transition out of doing court-appointed juvenile cases, I realize how much I will miss the kids. * * * * * “Darrell” was...
Joining the Adult CJA Panel in D.C.
I have just been appointed to the D.C. Superior Court panel for adult court-appointed cases. I was one of three lawyers appointed on a “provisional”...
D.C. Panel of Court-Appointed Lawyers for Juveniles
The 2015 list of lawyers eligible to accept court appointments in juvenile cases is now out. Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield issued the order approving...
Everything is Calm. Everything is Civilized.
The two young men have been in the same place at the same time before. I have seen it on the video recording. The first...
Thank You For Your Vote Of Confidence
Dear Juvenile Client: You must think I am one really, really good lawyer. Why else would you violate every condition of your pre-trial probation —...
The Government Wins Every Time
Years ago I went to the Playland amusement park in Rye, New York with some friends. We were walking by the “Guess Your Age or...
My Client Is Going Home Today
My client – a juvenile — is going home today. I am working with one of my favorite prosecutors on the case. Although hard-line, she...
Why Juvenile Cases Should Be Tried
When I was a public defender, a major challenge was the client with a lousy case and a good offer on the table who nevertheless...
He is 12 Years Old: Test Test
As soon as I have the signed order in hand, I head to the “at-risk” cell block to make sure my client is released. My...
“My Lawyer Told Me Not To Talk To Anyone About This Case”
One of the reasons I accept court appointments in juvenile cases — as opposed to adult cases — is that juveniles generally listen to you....
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...
Goodbye to Dana Tapper and the PDS Summer Interns
The Juvenile Services Program at the Public Defender Service (PDS) helps kids adjust to life at one of the District’s secure detention facilities....
In Re D.M.: When Can You Dismiss a Juvenile Case for “Social Reasons”?
The problem with using a canon of statutory interpretation to justify a legal opinion is that you can usually find some other canon to arrive...
Ramifications of a Juvenile Adjudication in D.C.
One of the questions parents of a juvenile client often ask me is the effect of a juvenile adjudication on their child’s future. The question...