Judge: Fatal hit-and-run case delayed over lawyer

ORANJESTAD – The criminal case against the female driver accused of causing a fatal traffic accident and leaving the scene (hit-and-run) took another turn in court on Friday. During the latest hearing, the judge indicated that the proceedings cannot continue until the defendant has proper legal representation, after several attorneys withdrew from the case.

IMPORTANT PROCEDURAL DEVELOPMENTS

According to the judge, several significant procedural developments have taken place in recent months. The court decided to keep the defendant in pretrial detention and also approved a request for a psychological evaluation and for two witnesses to be heard.

However, the process of hearing those witnesses was temporarily suspended after a psychologist warned that giving testimony could impose a severe emotional burden and potentially worsen the mental condition of the individuals involved. One of the witnesses is also pregnant.

ATTORNEYS WITHDRAW WITHOUT EXPLANATION

During the same period, two of the defendant's original attorneys informed the court that they would no longer represent her, without providing a reason. Shortly afterward, Dutch attorney Moszkowicz sought permission to join the defense, but the Court of Appeal rejected the request. According to the appellate court, the case is not of such an exceptional nature as to justify admitting an attorney who is not licensed locally. In addition, there was no locally admitted attorney available to assume the legal responsibility required under the law.

During the hearing, the judge expressed concern about the defendant's current legal situation.

PATH CLOSED FOR MOSZKOWICZ

"I believe it is important that you have a lawyer. But as I see the situation now, the path to Mr. Moszkowicz has been closed by the Court of Appeal's decision."

The judge emphasized that neither the Public Prosecution Service, nor the court, nor Moszkowicz himself can change the ruling already issued by the Court of Appeal. As a result, the main question now is how the defendant will proceed with her legal defense.

After receiving an additional letter from Moszkowicz during the hearing, the judge said its contents would be reviewed, but reiterated that the Court of Appeal's ruling remains in force. The court wants clarity regarding who will officially represent the defendant before the case can proceed to a substantive hearing.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the case continues. The outcome of the psychological evaluation and the final decision regarding the witnesses are expected to play an important role in the continuation of the criminal proceedings.