A DC Superior Court judge rescheduled a preliminary hearing for a defendant charged with a bail violation.
Robert Smith, who is also known as Jamal Jerome Smith, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
Smith was scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 24, 2019, for his jury trial. However, he did not show up, which resulted in his bail violation charge.
A plea deal for the violation is being offered to the defense.
Defense attorney Bruce Cooper asked Judge Ronna Beck to reschedule the hearing so he could have more time to discuss the deal with his client.
Judge Beck permitted the request, rescheduling the hearing for Aug. 5.
The defendant’s presence was waived for the July 21 hearing. Cooper asked for his client to be present for the next hearing so that his decision regarding the plea deal would be on the record.
