Statement in Support of Katie Orndoff
On Sept. 7, Katie Orndoff testified for an hour and a half against her boyfriend who was on trial for felony domestic violence. During her testimony about how the defendant had punched her in the face twice, she was understandably anxious. Who wouldn’t be? At the time of this trial, the defendant had already been convicted of two other offenses. Most people get nervous when testifying in court but even more so in domestic violence cases where the victim fears for their future safety.
Misinterpreting her anxiety for intoxication, Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge James P. Fisher inappropriately questioned her about her marijuana use which had been brought up by the defendant’s attorney during cross-examination. Ms. Orndoff had smoked marijuana (which is now legal) around 9am that morning but was no longer under its influence by the time the trial began in the afternoon. Judge Fisher held her in contempt of court and sentenced her to 10 days in jail. Deputies removed her from the courtroom and she spent two days in jail before being released on bond. The Judge declared a mistrial in the felony domestic violence case and while the Commonwealth’s Attorney would like to retry the case, Ms. Orndoff is understandably terrified to take the stand again.
Ms. Orndoff has appealed the contempt case to the Virginia Court of Appeals but even if the conviction is reversed, the damage has already been done. She spent two days in jail and her alleged abuser may get away with the most recent charges against him. Getting victims to testify against abusers in domestic violence cases was already difficult because most fear retaliation by the defendants. Judge Fisher’s treatment of Ms. Orndoff has added another reason for victims to be scared of testifying. This is unacceptable and cannot stand.
The Loudoun County Democratic Committee stands in solidarity with Katie Orndoff. We commend her courage in giving her testimony. Victims should be treated with dignity and respect and their voices should never be silenced.
###
