Court Appointed Conflict Lawyer Released from Armed Carjacking Case

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A conflict lawyer appointed to investigate a potential conflict between the defendant and his court appointed lawyer was released from the case before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Oct. 9.

Raymond Davese, 38, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking incident on the 200 block of Tingey Street, SE that occurred on June 7. One individual sustained injuries to the right side of the neck.

According to court documents, the victim was parking a customer’s vehicle as she was working valet. After parking and exiting the vehicle, the suspect immediately put the victim in a headlock and deployed an electrical shock on the right side of her neck. The victim fell limp and the suspect took all her belongings before fleeing the scene in the client’s vehicle.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper, appointed as a conflict lawyer, notified the court of a potential conflict between Davese and his attorney, Michael Madden. After discussing the matter with Davese, Cooper identified the issue stemming from previous representation.

Judge Pasichow emphasized the defendant did not have the ability to discard court appointed attorneys until he found one he liked, unless he was willing to pay for his own attorney.

Madden explained that the conflict had to do with a prior trial in which the defendant acted as a witness against Madden’s then-client.

Following a private conversation with Judge Pasichow, the conflict was resolved, and she ruled there was no need for Cooper.

Parties alerted Judge Pasichow they are in plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.