Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Diversion programs being offered by USAO and OAG starting September 6



If you would like the documents that went with this email, please email me and I will get them to you. Thanks! Laura

 (From PDS Attorney Janet Mitchell)
Beginning September 6, 2016, the US Attorney’s office and the OAG are offering two new diversion programs to clients who qualify.  This is not in lieu of already existing programs, this is in addition to those programs and is open to more clients.  I have attached a summary of the programs’ requirements and eligibility as well contracts for the programs.   

Under the new options, a client can now get a DSA regardless of how many prior misdemeanor convictions they have if they are deemed eligible.  They may also be eligible with prior felony convictions so long as they are over 10 years old (including serving probation or parole). 

The Employment Track diversion lasts for 6 months and requires that the client be a resident of DC.   After 8 weeks the client is required to have finished a three-week life skills/job readiness class and be in substantial compliance with all requirements of either the Career Connections or Project Empowerment programs. At the end of six months the client’s case will be dismissed with prejudice if they have been an active participant in Career Connections or Project Empowerment for two months, substantially complied with the program’s requirements and not been rearrested. 

The Education Track diversion lasts for six months and requires that the client be a resident of DC, be between the ages of 16-24, not already have a high school degree or GED and not presently be enrolled in school.  After 8 weeks the client must be have completed the intake process, enrolled in a school or program or be awaiting enrollment and be in substantial compliance with the Re-Engagement Center.  At the end of six months the client’s case will be dismissed with prejudice if they have not been rearrested, been an active participant in the Re-Engagement Center, enrolled in school or a program or working with their counselor to transfer to a school or program or have completed their program or received a degree. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

When "Belongings" become Evidence

This is an interesting story from the Atlantic this month about how the police can take one's belongings by calling it "evidence." Read here

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

DC MPD Police Orders

Do you need to find MPD Orders for a current case? Here is a link to the Orders online but you can always email me directly and I can send them to you as well; lmoorer@pdsdc.org

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

DC Court Rules

Here is a quick link for the most up to date version of the DC Court Rules. (including the DC Rules of Criminal Procedure, current as of April 2016).

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Criminal Court E-Filing Deadline is September 19, 2016



This is just a friendly reminder that the mandatory date for e-filing in criminal cases is currently September 19th.  You can register for your password here: CaseFileExpress

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

DC Jail HVAC Update will be available on the ListServ today.

Hello! Updated HVAC report being sent to the ListServ today. Please remember to also stop by if you would like a copy of the Dec. 2015, DC Crim Code and Procedure book.

Thank you!