Washington D.C., July 24, 2025
News Summary
Shon Hopwood, a law professor at Georgetown University, has been convicted of multiple charges, including simple assault and obstructing justice, related to a domestic violence incident involving his wife. The jury found him guilty following a trial that highlighted a troubling history of abuse. Hopwood’s sentencing is set for September. Georgetown Law has condemned domestic violence and is reviewing his case, amid broader discussions on accountability and abuse within professional settings.
Washington D.C. – Shon Hopwood, a 50-year-old law professor at Georgetown University, was convicted on July 19, 2025, on multiple charges related to domestic violence. A D.C. Superior Court jury found him guilty of three counts of simple assault, five counts of contempt, and two counts of obstructing justice. The charges arise from a domestic violence incident involving his wife that occurred on September 21, 2023.
The altercation escalated into physical violence, with reports indicating that Hopwood pushed his wife and threw her into the kitchen, which resulted in multiple injuries including bruising. After the incident, he allegedly confined his wife to the basement and ordered their children to lie about her whereabouts during a welfare check that was conducted by D.C. police.
Authorities investigating the case discovered a troubling history of chronic emotional and physical abuse that Hopwood inflicted upon his wife over several years, revealing a pattern of mistreatment. Among the convictions was a previous assault that took place in April 2023. It was reported that the trial was delayed since Hopwood’s wife and daughter did not appear in court, a consequence of alleged pressure Hopwood placed on his wife to refrain from testifying, which violated a stay-away order imposed against him.
Hopwood is not a stranger to law. Before his academic career, he served 11 years for armed bank robbery, during which he gained recognition as a successful jailhouse lawyer capable of arguing cases, one of which reached the U.S. Supreme Court. He joined Georgetown Law where he has been teaching criminal law but has been on leave since the domestic violence allegations emerged, following reports detailing the severity of his actions.
In light of the conviction, Georgetown Law issued a statement condemning domestic violence and reaffirming their commitment to the judicial process. The institution indicated that they would review Hopwood’s case in accordance with their personnel processes. Despite this ruling, Shon Hopwood remains listed as an associate professor at Georgetown, pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Context of the Case
The conviction has sparked discussions regarding the seriousness of domestic violence and the ongoing issues of abuse even among professionals in esteemed positions. Hopwood’s case raises concerns regarding the narratives around domestic violence, especially given his previous criminal background and current professional standing.
Statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence highlight the gravity of domestic violence in the United States, with about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experiencing some form of physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Such cases are often exacerbated by complex personal dynamics, which contribute to the difficulties faced by victims in seeking justice and support.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the implications of the conviction for Hopwood and its potential impact on the broader discussions surrounding legal accountability and the culture of silence surrounding domestic abuse.
FAQ
What charges was Shon Hopwood convicted of?
Shon Hopwood was convicted of three counts of simple assault, five counts of contempt, and two counts of obstructing justice.
When did the domestic violence incident occur?
The incident involving Hopwood’s wife took place on September 21, 2023.
What will happen next in Shon Hopwood’s case?
Shon Hopwood’s sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
What was Hopwood’s previous criminal history?
Hopwood served 11 years for armed bank robbery before becoming a law professor.
What is Georgetown Law’s stance on domestic violence?
Georgetown Law released a statement condemning domestic violence and pledged to review Hopwood’s case in line with their personnel processes.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conviction Date | July 19, 2025 |
| Charges | Three counts of simple assault, five counts of contempt, and two counts of obstructing justice |
| Incident Date | September 21, 2023 |
| Trial Delays | Witnesses not appearing due to alleged coercion |
| Next Court Date | Sentencing scheduled for September 18, 2025 |
| Georgetown Law Status | Shon Hopwood remains listed as an associate professor pending review |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WTOP News
- Above the Law
- Reuters
- NBC Washington
- ABA Journal
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Google Search: Domestic Violence
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- Google News: Domestic Violence
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
