iPad for Lawyers: Using Technology in the Courtroom

Check out this upcoming class on ipads for Lawyers, Oct. 5th, 2016, put on by the D.C. Bar

Daily Newsletter: New DC Bar Resource

Be sure to sign up for the DC Bar's latest resource: the DC Bar Legal Brief, a daily newsletter for the DC Bar community. You can sign up HERE.

DC Council's Legislative History "LIMS" database update- you can now track legislation!

The DC Council's legislation database, LIMs, was recently updated to include social media links. One new feature that you may find very useful is the ability to track current legislation going through the Council.

If you find a piece of legislation you want to follow you simply pull up that bill and go to the bottom of the screen and chose the "SUBSCRIBE" button. Once this is done, you will be notified of any changes concerning that legislation.

Be sure to check out the LIMS page for current DC Legislative History questions and as always, please feel free to contact me if you  need help locating any LH for your cases.

Forensic Science in Criminal Court- New Report issued

Report on Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison Methods (from PCAST Website)

On September 20, 2016, PCAST released a Report to the President on Forensic Science in Criminal Courts: Ensuring Scientific Validity of Feature-Comparison 

Methods.

• Full report (pdf)
• References (pdf)
• Request for Information Responses (pdf)
• Blog post

Parole and Supervised Release: Key Points to Remember

(The material below was recently put out by the Parole division at PDS):

Key points to remember when representing clients who are on parole or supervised release:

1.      When you first meet your clients, always, always ask whether they are on parole or supervised release. 

2.      Remember, your client’s parole warrant must execute in order for him/her to get parole time credit.

3.      The parole warrant cannot be executed when the judge:

 •         Imposes a bond.

 •         Imposes a nominal bond.

 •         Releases client to a halfway house.

4.      When possible, always seek client’s release on their own recognizance.

5.      If the Commission chooses to hold your client in custody pending a final revocation proceeding, you will want to ensure that your client also receives credit in trial by filing a motion to change your client’s release conditions, or requesting that a bond be placed on your client at the next court hearing.

6.      Call a duty day attorney with the Parole Division at PDS whenever you have questions!

DC Safe Surrender will be held on Sept. 10th, 17th and the 24th

DC Safe Surrender 

(language from DC Superior Court's website)

The DC Safe Surrender program is an opportunity for persons who are wanted for non-violent felonies or misdemeanors in the District of Columbia to surrender voluntarily in a safe environment. The Safe Surrender program recognizes that many persons are looking for a way to resolve their outstanding warrants, this program assures that individuals who surrender are treated fairly, with dignity and in a safe and professional environment.

 

For more information, please click here.