Judge Gives Homeless Defendant 2nd Chance to Appear for Hearing

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A DC Superior Court judge gave a homeless defendant, who failed to appear at his Aug. 13 hearing, a second chance to make it to court.

On Dec. 20, 2018, Nathaniel Carter pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary.

Carter was sentenced to two years, one of which was suspended, plus one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.

A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer said the defendant’s adjustment to supervision was “extremely poor.”

The officer said he has been a loss of contact since Jan. 14 and received multiple violations in Montgomery County, Md.

Defense attorney Roderick Thompson asked for time to find the defendant, who may not have had notice of the hearing due to homelessness.

Carter’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27.

Judge Rainey Brandt said she will issue a bench warrant if he fails to appear at the next hearing.

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