DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno gave a shooting defendant a one year suspended sentence on April 7.
Juwan Russell, 29, was convicted by a jury on Feb. 6 for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE on June 25, 2025.
During the hearing, Judge Salerno stated that Russell had no criminal history, resulting in a sentence that would be in the lower end of the guidelines.
The prosecutors recommended a one year prison sentence, all suspended but time Russell already served, with one year of probation. They also suggested that Russell complete a gun violence prevention program with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).
Russell’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, stated that this was a “wake up call” for Russell. She told Judge Salerno that Russell never wanted to return to jail, but asked him to impose a sentence he felt was appropriate. According to court records, Russell was incarcerated from his arrest in this case on July 11, 2025 until the jury reached their verdict.
Sapirstein also said she didn’t think Russell had any issues with drug or alcohol use, but felt that he was struggling with mental health issues. According to Sapirstein, Russell was making progress with vocational training, and Russell told the judge he enrolled in a college prep program.
Judge Salerno stated that although this case was more serious than other cases of carrying a pistol without a license, “This could’ve been a lot worse” for Russell.
Judge Salerno agreed with the prosecution’s recommendation, and sentenced Russell to one year imprisonment all suspended and one year of probation also suspended for carrying a pistol without a license. In addition, Russell is required to register as a gun offender in DC and complete the CSOSA gun violence prevention program.
Russell received time served sentences for his other two charges, meaning the sentence is equivalent to the time he already served in jail, and he would not have to serve additional time for those charges.
If Russell fails to complete the requirements of his probation, Judge Salerno could require him to serve one year in prison.
No further dates were set.
