Judge Appoints New Counsel After Request For Change

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 2, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On Nov. 2, a defendant was appointed new counsel after she requested the change. 

Natassia Kelly is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. She is requesting a new attorney for her case. 

Kelly complained that her defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, has not been keeping her in the loop in regards to her trial and has been dangling plea offers in her face. 

“I want this case to be resolved,” the defendant said. “I want to detail these things that happened to be put out there.”

Judge Judith Smith reminded the defendant that all cases in which the defendant is not being held have been continued until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Judge Smith also told Kelly that requesting a new attorney will not help her case move forward at this time and will, in fact, push it back. 

 “Miss Kopecki has no control over this case moving forward,” Judge Smith said. 

Kelly still insisted that a new attorney be appointed to assist her with the case.  

Judge Smith granted her request and set a date for March. 24, when a new attorney will be appointed and Kelly’s hearing will resume.

This article was written by Emily Pengelly.