Local Rule LCrR 44.5: ENTRY AND WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCES BY ATTORNEYS IN CRIMINAL ACTION
D.D.C. — Criminal rule
LCrR 44.5 ENTRY AND WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCES BY ATTORNEYS IN CRIMINAL ACTION
(a) ENTRY OF APPEARANCE.
An attorney appearing for a defendant in a criminal case, whether appointed or retained, shall file with the Clerk a notice of appearance on a court-approved form. If a defendant appears without counsel at arraignment, the Court shall set a date and time by which counsel shall enter an appearance or the defendant, after being fully advised of his right to counsel, shall waive such right and elect to proceed pro se.
(b) CERTIFICATE OF FAMILIARITY WITH SENTENCING GUIDELINES.
Every attorney who appears as sole or lead counsel in a criminal case must have on file with the Clerk's Office a certificate, in a form prescribed by the Clerk, in which the attorney states that he or she is familiar with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. If the attorney has filed such a certificate during the previous three years (see Rule 701.1), a new certificate is not necessary.
(c) CONTINUING DUTY OF REPRESENTATION.
An attorney who enters an appearance shall continue to represent the defendant until the case is dismissed, the defendant is acquitted, or the time for filing post-trial motions and a notice of appeal has expired, unless the attorney is granted leave to withdraw by the Court.
(d) WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL.
An attorney who has appeared in a criminal case may thereafter withdraw only by written motion served upon the defendant personally or at the defendant's last-known address, and upon all other parties. The Court may deny a motion to withdraw if the attorney's withdrawal would unduly delay trial of the case or be unfairly prejudicial to any party, or otherwise not be in the interests of justice.
(e) COUNSEL FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
Upon the return of an indictment or bill of information, the United States shall designate an Assistant United States Attorney or other attorney of the Department of Justice as its representative. The United States Attorney shall advise the Clerk and the judge to whom the case is assigned regarding any change in the attorney for the United States responsible for the prosecution.