Judge Cancels Hearing After He Couldn’t Reach Defense Counsel

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 18, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Probation | Suspects |

A hearing was cancelled when the defense attorney did not show and attempts to contact her failed.

Michael Grayton pled guilty to attempted possession of liquid PCP. On March 9, he was sentenced to 12 months in prison, six of which were suspended. 

On June 4, Grayton filed a motion for compassionate release in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He suffers from asthma, which can put him at a higher risk for serious complications if he gets the virus, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Grayton was scheduled for a post disposition status hearing on June 18. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun said there was a “realistic possibility” he would have resentenced Grayton to time served plus fourteen days, the typical quarantine period. 

Grayton’s defense attorney, Donna Beasley, did not show up to the hearing. No parties were able to contact her. Around a half hour after the hearing was scheduled to begin, Judge Okun decided that the hearing should be rescheduled.

Judge Okun asked if there was any way to put Grayton is quarantine today so as not to push his possible release date further into the future, but was told it could not be done. He apologized to Grayton, telling him that he would try to get a release date for him. Judge Okun said he would try to get the earliest date possible.