Judge Grants Continuation of Hearing for Homeless Defendant

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

A defendant failed to appear in court June 16, but extenuating circumstances may explain his absence — Lewis is homeless.

Malik Lewis has been charged with violation of a protective order, attempted threats to do bodily harm and simple assault related to a domestic violence case.

Bruce Cooper, Lewis’ attorney, said that because of Lewis’ homelessness, he is hard to get in touch with.

Lewis was placed in the high intensity supervision program (HISP), but he failed to report as instructed. Additionally, Lewis also has a warrant out for his arrest in Arlington, Va, according to Cooper.

Pretrial Services Agency is requesting Lewis be removed from HISP because of his violations.

Cooper said that Lewis has violated his stay away more than once and appears to be at that location for hours at a time. But, no one seems to know why this is the case.

Due to Lewis’ lack of housing and ability to be reached, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Sean Staples granted a continuation of the hearing. The hearing is now set for July 17.