Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Villa v. District of Columbia

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Appeal from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (Hon. John R. Hess, Trial Judge)

Submitted March 9, 2000

Following a non-jury trial, appellant Antonio Villa was convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, in violation of D.C. Code � 40-716 (b)(1) (1998). In the course of the trial, defense counsel cross-examined the police officer who had administered a breathalyzer test to Mr. Villa. At one point, counsel’s line of questioning became repetitive, and the government objected. The trial court sustained the objection and, in doing so, placed a limitation on counsel’s ability to cross-examine the witness further, relying in part on D.C. Code � 40-717.2 (1998). Villa now contends that his conviction should be overturned because the court’s interpretation of section 40-717.2 was erroneous and that, because he was prevented from further developing his line of questioning, he was denied his Sixth Amendment right to confront a witness and present a defense. We agree that the trial court’s interpretation of the statute was erroneous, but we hold that the error was harmless and affirm the conviction.

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
The National Law Journal Legal Awards 2024
October 24, 2024
Georgetown, Washington D.C.

The National Law Journal honors attorneys & judges who've made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in the D.C. area.


Learn More
New Jersey Legal Awards 2024
October 29, 2024
East Brunswick, NJ

New Jersey Law Journal honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in New Jersey with their dedication to the profession.


Learn More
Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards 2024
November 07, 2024
Orlando, FL

This event shines a spotlight on the individuals, teams, projects and organizations that are changing the financial industry.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
Seattle, WA- Corporate Associate

With bold growth in recent years, Fox Rothschild brings together 1,000 attorneys coast to coast. We offer the reach and resources of a natio...


Apply Now ›
Technology Attorney (Remote)

About Us:Monjur.com is a leading provider of contracts-as-a-service for managed service providers, offering tailored solutions to streamline...


Apply Now ›
Litigation Associate

Dynamic Boutique law firm with offices in NYC, Westchester County and Dutchess County, is seeking a mid level litigation associate to work ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs