§ 22-3603 Interlocutory appeals by the state.

Here's what this rule means in plain terms.

Before a criminal trial starts, a judge sometimes throws out evidence. This can happen if the judge cancels a warrant or search warrant, blocks evidence from being used, or blocks a confession from being used in court. When this happens, prosecutors have the right to appeal that decision to a higher court.

Prosecutors must act fast. They only have 14 days from the judge's order to file their notice of appeal. If they miss this deadline, they lose the chance to challenge the judge's decision.

Once the prosecution files the appeal, the case stops moving forward in the trial court. Everything is put on hold until the appeals court decides the issue. This means no trial, no hearings, and no other major steps happen until the higher court rules on whether the judge's original decision was correct.