DC Court of Appeals

Hernandez v. DC Board of Zoning Adjustment Opinion

The DC Court of Appeals affirmed the Board of Zoning Adjustment's decision to grant a special exception for a theoretical subdivision, allowing multiple principal buildings on a single lot. The court disagreed with petitioners' assertion that the Board could not grant the exception while denying a variance for lot width requirements.

Capitol Intelligence Group v Waldman - Defamation Appeal

The DC Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's denial of an Anti-SLAPP motion in a defamation case. The court found that the plaintiff did not adduce sufficient evidence of falsity or actual malice to survive the motion, reversing the partial denial and remanding the case.

Campbell v. United States - Criminal Appeal

The D.C. Court of Appeals reviewed a criminal conviction for assault. While affirming the sufficiency of evidence to disprove self-defense, the court found the trial court erred by not inquiring into the defendant's decision to forgo an insanity defense. The case is remanded for this inquiry.

Howard v. D.C. Employment Services - Workers' Compensation Appeal

The D.C. Court of Appeals affirmed a Compensation Review Board decision granting temporary total disability benefits to an employee for an occupational disease. The court found the employee's carpal tunnel syndrome led to her resignation and upheld the board's findings.

Jennings & Turner v. US - Court Opinion

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals affirmed some convictions for appellant Derek Brian Turner related to violent incidents but reversed accessory after the fact convictions for appellant Ronnika M. Jennings due to insufficient evidence. Both appellants' obstruction of justice convictions were vacated.

Hewitt v. United States - Felony Murder Conviction Vacatur

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals ruled in Hewitt v. United States that trial courts must vacate the predicate felony conviction when a defendant is convicted of both first-degree felony murder and the underlying felony, to avoid violating the Double Jeopardy Clause. The court clarified that the trial court has no discretion to choose which conviction to vacate.

Grant v. United States - Court Opinion on Motion to Suppress

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's denial of a motion to suppress evidence in Grant v. United States. The court found that the police did not seize the appellant until after he discarded a satchel containing a gun, thus the evidence was not the fruit of an illegal seizure.

District of Columbia Court of Appeals - Disbarment of Paul Gerard Wersant

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has disbarred Paul Gerard Wersant from the practice of law. This action follows the Supreme Court of Florida's permanent revocation of his license and his failure to respond to the court's order to show cause. His disbarment is effective pending his compliance with specific filing requirements.