DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson postponed deciding on a prosecutor’s request to extend probation on June 6 after a woman convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence was re-arrested for allegedly driving without a permit.
Brianca Phillips, 28, was charged in 2022 with conspiracy, first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the 2021 shooting of Terrance Allen, according to court records. In 2024, Phillips entered a deal where she pleaded guilty to conspiracy in exchange for the other charges being dropped.
DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Phillips to 12 months probation in February 2025 under the Youth Rehabilitation Act of 1985 (YRA).
The YRA is a DC law that allows defendants who were 24 years old or younger at the time of committing a crime to have their conviction taken off from their criminal record if they comply with court orders and participate in rehabilitative programs.
After Phillips was re-arrested on charges of driving without a permit, a urine test indicated she had consumed alcohol within the past 48 hours.
Phillips’ defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, questioned the relevance of this test result, as alcohol consumption is legal. However, alcohol use violates Phillips’ probation, according to court records.
A community supervision officer (CSO) from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) told the court that, apart from this rearrest, Phillips has been compliant and involved in rehabilitation and community programs.
However, the CSO said she was standing in and could not speak for Phillips’ current CSO.
Judge Dayson remarked that extending Phillips’ probationary term may not make sense, since it ends in February 2026. She said she wants to hear the opinion of Phillips’ current CSO regarding the status of her probation before making a decision.
Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.
