Judge Grants Continuance of Probation Hearing in Light of Defendant’s Mental Health Status

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 16, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Probation | Uncategorized |

Legal counsel raised concerns about his client’s mental health, prompting a DC Superior Court judge to push back the defendant’s probation hearing.

Clarence Lambert was convicted of two counts of simple assault on police officers. He is currently on probation after pleading guilty in January.

Thomas Lester, Lambert’s defense attorney, said his client has been receiving less care for schizophrenia because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Lester, his client’s mental health status has made it more difficult for him to comply with probation requirements.

According to a probation officer, Lambert has continually violated his GPS-monitoring conditions by letting the battery die. He has also violated curfew every day.

The officer also said Lambert has not kept in consistent contact with him either.

The probation officer requested a 45-day continuance to see if Lambert is able to comply with his probation requirements. He also requested a stay away from an area that Lambert frequents.

But, Lester raised concerns about adding requirements, saying it would only make compliance harder for Lambert, especially with diminished attention to his mental health.

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples granted a 45-day continuance for the hearing,He did not impose a stay away order.

Lambert’s next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.