Rule 9. Release or Detention in a Criminal Case

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District of Columbia Court Rules › District of Columbia Court of Appeals › Rules of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals › D.C. App. R. 9

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

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The Superior Court must state in writing, or orally on the record, the reasons for any order

detaining a defendant in a criminal case. If the Superior Court orders the release of a defendant

and the prosecution indicates an intent to appeal that decision, the judge must state reasons for the

action taken. A request for relief by this court from an order of detention must be accompanied

by an affidavit executed by the party or attorney requesting the relief, addressing each point

enumerated in Form 6. Additionally:

(a) Release or Detention Before Judgment of Conviction. A party appealing from an order

regarding detention or release before a judgment of conviction must follow the procedures stated

in Rule 25.1(b)(1) (Emergency Cases). Following reasonable notice to the appellee, the court will

determine the appeal promptly on the basis of the filings and parts of the record that the parties

present or the court requires. In appropriate cases, the court may order oral argument on an

emergency basis.

(b) Release or Detention After Judgment of Conviction. A party requesting review of an order

regarding release or detention after a judgment of conviction, including orders granting or denying

compassionate release, must file a notice of appeal from that order in the Superior Court, or a

motion in this court if the party has already filed a notice of appeal from the judgment of

conviction. The party must then follow the relevant procedures stated in Rule 25.1(c)(1)

(Expedited Cases). The documents filed must include a copy of the judgment of conviction.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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Rule 9. Release or Detention in a Criminal Case · D.C. App. R. 9 | Frix