Judge Approves Defense Request to Move Trial Deadline

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa K. Copeland approved a request to waive 32-year-old Deonte Anthony Simms’s initial Hicks date on Jan. 24 following concerns regarding his defense counsel.

The Hicks date set for Jan. 28 is a legal requirement that a trial must begin within 180 days of a defendant’s or defense counsel’s first appearance in court.

Simms, who made his first appearance on Aug. 1, 2023, is charged with two counts each of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a crime of violence, possession of a firearm with a drug conviction and illegal possession of a regulated firearm as well as one count each of illegal possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm with a detachable magazine containing more than 10 rounds and firing and discharging a firearm.

Simms’ trial is scheduled for March 20. A new attorney has been assigned due to the defendant’s concern about key evidence.