Judge Grants Pretrial Release for Domestic Violence Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge released a domestic violence defendant from DC Jail so he could attend an inpatient treatment program. 

The defendant is charged with destruction of property and contempt in his domestic violence case. He is also charged with simple assault and sex abuse in two misdemeanor cases. 

Judge William Nooter chose to release the defendant with a stay away order that gave the defendant 24 hours from the time he left the jail to report to the medical facility.

Judge Nooter also allowed the defendant to have supervised visits with his child, who currently lives with one of the victims.  The defendant was placed under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

During the Feb. 23 hearing, the prosecution expressed concern with the defendant’s ability to follow the stay away order.

But, defense attorney Megan Allburn said the facility could take the defendant in immediately until they could find him a long-term housing situation. 

During a January hearing, Judge Judith Pipe held the defendant on a cash bond after the defense and the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) could not find a place for him to stay if he were to be released into home confinement.

The defendant’s next court date is scheduled for March 2.

Vanessa Sousa wrote this article.