Judge Finds Domestic Violence Defendant Competent, Releases Him

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 29, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge decided to release a defendant to live at a friend’s house after finding the defendant competent to stand trial.

The defendant is charged with violating a Court Protective Order (CPO) and contempt for allegedly violating his release conditions in a domestic violence case.

Judge Michael Ryan chose to release him from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution. He is slated to receive services from the Specialized Services Unit (SSU,) an organization for pretrial defendants with mental health needs.

Judge Ryan encouraged the defendant to continue with his treatment and comply with his release conditions.

“You don’t want any more cases in the criminal justice system so you have to work really hard,” Judge Ryan told him.

During the July 29 mental observation hearing, the prosecution argued against the defendant’s release, citing his history of violating stay away orders and release conditions.

However, defense attorney Chidi Ogolo pointed out that his client has been compliant with medication and treatment.