DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a stabbing defendant’s motion to dismiss his defense attorney on March 11.
Rubin Holman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Oct. 4, 2022 on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
Judge Kravitz said it was “good” that Holman was present in court today. For at least 12 hearings since the case was opened in December 2023, Holman refused to appear or was classified as a medical scratch, according to court records.
Holman’s attorney, Terrence Austin, informed the court that Holman wished to dismiss him as his defense counsel. Austin said he spoke to his client again, and Holman still wished to proceed with new counsel.
After a conversation with Holman and Austin that was put under seal, Judge Kravitz informed parties that he was not compelled to grant Holman’s motion for new counsel. However, the judge said that there is a possibility that the case could be transferred to another attorney within the Public Defender’s Service (PDS).
Judge Kravitz denied the motion without prejudice, meaning that Austin could refile the motion at a later date.
The judge told Holman that it was in his best interest to “cooperate” and attend his next court date. Holman is currently held at DC Jail.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.
