A carjacker expressed remorse for his actions in a sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 15.
Alvin Halmon-Daniels, 20, was originally charged with armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed. These charges stem from his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on June 16, 2023 on the 200 block of 13th Street, NE.
On Dec. 13, 2025, Halmon-Daniels pleaded guilty to robbery, carrying a pistol without a license, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any additional charges against him.
Halmon-Daniels was 17 when the offense occurred and charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.
At sentencing, Halmon-Daniels told Judge Hertzfeld, “I really do regret everything I did…sincerely from my heart.” He told her he wants to make his family proud, particularly his grandmother who passed away shortly before the carjacking. He also said it is his dream to join the Marines, inspired by his cousin who showed him the “right way to live.”
Halmon-Daniels also discussed how the fear he experienced while incarcerated will keep him from returning, saying “I could lose my life…I don’t want to fight…I could do better.” He said he wants to work, go to school, and “praise God” everyday. He said he aims to get custody of at least one of his six younger siblings, some of whom are in the foster care system, and one who suffers from epilepsy.
Halmon-Daniels’ attorney, Rachel Cicurel, argued for a sentence based on Halmon-Daniel’s challenging home life, mental health, and compliance with release conditions when he was placed in home confinement. According to Cicurel, he spent his time in home confinement working to support his mother and never broke the parameters of release.
Cicurel requested 18 months for robbery, six months for carrying a pistol without a license, and six months for unauthorized use of a vehicle with all time suspended but four months.
Cicurel also noted that Halmon-Daniel recognizes that what he did was wrong, and made “consistent and repeated comments about how terribly he feels” and wants “to start anew.”
She also asked for a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), a policy that gives judges leniency and discretion when sentencing a defendant who is younger than 25 at the time of the incident and the potential to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of requirements.
Due to the nature of the incident, the prosecution argued for a total 64-month sentence, 16 months for robbery, 24 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle, and 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license.
Prosecutors said that the carjacking was “extremely traumatic for the victim.” The prosecution also said that this crime displayed an “escalation of violence” for Halmon-Daniels.
Judge Hertzfeld told Halmon-Daniels it is “not too late for you to change lanes.” She was pleased with the remorse he showed as well as his compliance on release, but took the nature of the crime into account, noting that “what [he] did is going to stick with” the victim.
As a result, Judge Herzfeld sentenced Halmon-Daniels under the YRA to 60 months for robbery, 24 months for carrying a pistol, and 24 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle to run concurrently with all but one year suspended. This will be followed by 12 months of probation and Halmon-Daniels will be required to register as a gun offender in DC.
If Halmon-Daniels fails to comply with the terms of his probation, Judge Herzfeld could require him to serve the suspended prison time.
In addition, Halmon-Daniels will be required to complete 90 hours of community service, participate in educational and employment programs, and receive mental health evaluation and treatment.
Judge Hertzfeld told Halmon-Daniels he is “getting a second chance here” and wished him luck.
No further dates were set.
