Defense Stresses Defendant’s Right to a Speedy Trial After Judge Sets a March 2024 Date

By Ayoola Fadahunsi [former] , Jaclyn Sersland [former] - May 31, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects |

On May 31, a judge set a March 2024 trial date for a defendant involved in non-fatal shooting. 

Kamara Huffler, 31, is being charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly assaulting the victim with a firearm on Sept. 19, 2022 at the 800 block of Barnaby Street, SE. 

The defendant pleaded not guilty on all counts, and his defense attorney asked for a trial date to be set. 

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler expressed concern upon hearing that DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s earliest availability was in March 2024. He said that it infringed on his client’s constitutional right to a speedy trial. 

Both parties also agreed on dates leading up to the trial, with the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing on evidence for Aug. 18 at 10:30am. A trial readiness hearing is set for Feb. 23, 2024. 

The prosecution plans to call five witnesses including two experts – one a ballistic analyst and one a doctor. Judge Epstein ordered an expert witness notice to be completed by Sept. 15 from the prosecution and Oct. 13 by the defense.

The trial will start on March 4, 2024.