Early Case Assessment Section

Crystal Flournoy, Chief
Kristina Browning, Deputy Chief

The Early Case Assessment Section (“ECAS”) is responsible for all case initiation (with the exception of sex offense and homicide) in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. AUSAs screen probable cause arrests - reviewing police paperwork and video evidence and interviewing officers and other witnesses to assess what charges are appropriately filed and what additional preliminary investigative steps are appropriate. The Section is also responsible for initial GJO investigations and the review of search and  felony arrest warrants for submission to Superior Court. Finally, once making an initial charging decision and initiating a case, ECAS also handles the early proceedings, such as arraignments, detention hearings, and preliminary hearings in Superior Court. The Section also assists in review of discovery and police personnel records material.