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Criminal Matters
- Criminal matters are those relating to illegal conduct that considered to be harmful to society or its members. The Criminal Division hears all local criminal matters including felony, misdemeanor, and serious traffic cases.
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How do I...
When someone is arrested in the District of Columbia, they will be scheduled to appear for arraignment or presentment in D.C. Superior Court...After arrest, an arraignment is the initial appearance in a misdemeanor case, and a presentment is the initial appearance in a felony case....The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia prosecutes D.C. misdemeanor and criminal traffic charges...DC misdemeanor crimes include offenses such as disorderly conduct, aggressive panhandling, possession of an open container of alcohol, and drinking or urinating in public...In order to ensure that a defendant returns to Court, the Court may order that a cash or surety bond be posted. The bond amount is paid to the Court and, if the defendant fails to appear, the bond will be forfeited...