Judge Schedules New Hearing Following Defense Attorney’s Motion to Withdraw from Sex Abuse Case

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A DC Superior Court judge scheduled an ascertainment of counsel hearing for a sex abuse case after the newly appointed defense attorney did not show up to the hearing due to an apparent miscommunication.

The defendant is charged with assault with intent to commit first-degree sexual abuse. He is accused of striking and grabbing the victim in an attempt to sexually assault her. The alleged offense took place on Sept. 6, 2020, in Northwest, DC, according to court documents.

During the Feb. 25 hearing, there was confusion as to who was the defendant’s counsel.

Judge Danya Dayson said a withdrawal of counsel request caused the confusion because it had not been granted yet. She decided to schedule another hearing for March 16 to clear up the confusion. 

The defendants defense attorney Russel Hairston motioned to withdraw from the case on Feb. 22.