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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- February 3, 2021
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A DC Superior Court judge declared a domestic violence defendant incompetent to stand trial but likely to regain competence in the foreseeable future.
The defendant is charged with attempted misdemeanor sex abuse and simple assault.
He is currently being held at St. Elizabeths Hospital. The court received the most recent competency report two days before the Feb. 3. hearing.
Judge Michael Ryan said that the defendant reportedly has factual knowledge of the proceedings against him, but cannot have more in-depth discussions about competence-related legal matters. However, the doctor said he’s shown evidence of improvement.
Neither the prosecution nor defense attorney Jason Kalafat objected to the doctor’s findings.
The doctor also recommended that the defendant stay at the hospital for continued competency restoration treatment.
The next mental observation hearing is scheduled for March 22.
Sasha Ridenour and Andrea Keckley wrote this article.