DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a stabbing defendant’s request for supervised release on Aug. 27, after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him.
Dennis Doleman, 49, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 300 block of H Street, NE on Aug. 7.
During the incident, Doleman allegedly stabbed and cut one victim, who was in a wheelchair, in the hands, face, neck, and back multiple times, according to court documents.
During the hearing, Doleman waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His attorney, Todd Baldwin, petitioned for his release from the DC jail, arguing that Doleman does not pose a significant threat to the community because he acted in self-defense.
Baldwin noted that though the victim was in a wheelchair when the stabbing occurred, it would be wrong to assume that Doleman could not have been in jeopardy.
Baldwin claimed the victim was “Just as capable of harming Mr. Doleman as Mr. Doleman is capable of harming him.” Baldwin also noted that though Doleman has a criminal record, his prior convictions date back more than ten years.
Prosecutors objected to Doleman’s release because of his criminal record and the nature of the current case.
“The fact that he used the knife repeatedly is significant,” the prosecutor said.
Judge Glover denied Doleman’s request for release saying that he still posed a significant threat to the community.
There are “No combination of conditions that would keep the community safe,” Glover said.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 18.
