Kudos to the judge
Kudos to the judge at District Court who recently: Okayed a respondent’s request to go put money in his parking meter, saying, “Sure. I don’t want you to get a ticket. That’s $40.” In a separate case, expressed concern at the beginning of a hearing that the respondent had been speaking with the petitioner prior […]
Prince George’s judge to release abuser who set his girlfriend on fire
LaQuinn Phillips stands accused of attempted murder after he allegedly set his girlfriend on fire in September of 2017, leaving burns over 70% of Andrea Grinage’s body. Grinage was pregnant at the time. Incredibly, Prince George’s Circuit Court Judge Pearson recently ordered that Mr. Phillips be released from jail to home detention due to a […]
Court Watch Montgomery featured in Bethesda Magazine
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Violence doesn’t stop judge from giving father “tie-breaking vote” on child
When domestic violence survivors seek a divorce, they often run head long into a host of problems that result in an increased risk of violence for them and their children. Maryland law requires that all decisions regarding custody be made “in the best interests of the child,” yet judges regularly penalize survivors for raising concerns […]
Judge accuses credible domestic violence victim of lying
A District Court judge recently became irritated during a temporary protective order hearing and accused a traumatized petitioner of lying. In her petition, Bridget [name changed] told a credible and all-too-common story: “He was drunk and I had told him I didn’t want to be with him and he said the only way we will […]
District Court judge fails to warn respondents to turn in firearms
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department has many important jobs. One of their most important tasks is making sure that respondents who possess firearms turn them into the Sheriff’s Office for the length of their final protective order. Judges also have an important role to play in reminding respondents of the gun turn-in requirement at the […]
Judge uses best practices to increase survivor safety
Numerous “best practices” were on display in domestic violence criminal court yesterday. When survivors participate in criminal trials they deserve nothing less. One case on yesterday’s criminal domestic violence docket in Silver Spring involved a defendant who pled guilty to violating a protective order. He had approached the mother of his child despite a final […]
Judge denies order to victim with photograph of bruise
A female victim recently showed a District Court judge a picture of a bruise on her arm as part of her evidence that she needed protection of the court. The victim had previously had a final protective order against the same respondent. The judge denied the order, as well as a cross-filed petition by the respondent. Court […]
Judge goes the extra mile with victims dropping cases
When a victim files a petition many abusers feel they are losing control. The potential for danger rises dramatically. Some domestic violence victims who drop their protective order cases are doing so in reaction to extreme anger or threats by their abuser. Judge Zuberi Williams went out of his way today to increase the chances that petitioners […]
Judge refuses protection to child at great risk
A District Court judge handling protective orders in November listened as a petitioner told her story. The petitioner described how her partner attacked and strangled her while she was holding their young child in her arms. He strangled her again on the bed, with the child lying right next to them. The respondent’s actions put the child in great danger and show a […]