Court officials agree that a defendant charged with a possession offense is on track to benefit from the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 9.
Tyrhez Williams, 25, was sentenced on June 17, 2025 to one year of probation for carrying a pistol without a license in connection to an incident that occurred on July 8, 2024 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.
Court documents state that Williams was arrested by Air Force Security Forces for possession of a firearm on a federal military installation. A witness also reported a non-fatal shooting nearby on the same date, but prosecutors never attributed the shots to Williams.
At the probation show cause hearing, Williams’ attorney, William Howell, argued that his client has demonstrated remarkable growth and progress and he successfully maintained employment while on probation.
Howell recommended that probation be extended three months on account of the personal progress Williams demonstrated. Judge Di Toro agreed to this extension, implementing the YRA option.
The YRA is a law that gives sentencing flexibility for offenders under the age of 25 at the time of the crime. The defendants also receive the opportunity to have their convictions sealed following successful completion of requirements.
Considering the growth Williams displayed, both the defense and Judge Di Toro exhibited confidence in the results the YRA would have on his rehabilitation.
The judge was impressed with how Williams discharged his responsibilities while also suffering from an undisclosed personal loss. Of note, he maintained employment throughout probation despite a job loss. Following his layoff, Williams decided to start his own business.
Williams’ new probationary end date is set as Sept. 9, however the Judge mentioned this will function as a “control date,” speculating he will likely finish his probation sooner.
