§ 22-2618 Time of motion.

If you want to ask for your criminal case to be moved to a different location (called a change of venue), you generally need to make that request at or before your arraignment. Arraignment is the court hearing where you're formally told the charges against you and enter a plea.

There's some flexibility built into this rule, though. A judge can allow the request later if doing so serves justice. This means if new information comes up after arraignment that affects whether you can get a fair trial in that location, the court still has the power to consider a late request.

The main point is that you shouldn't wait too long to raise this issue. If you or your lawyer believe the case needs to be moved, whether because of local publicity, community bias, or other reasons, it's best to bring this up early in the case. Waiting too long without a good reason could mean the judge won't consider your request at all.