DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied the release of a juvenile carjacking defendant after he waived his right to preliminary hearing on June 18.
Carlos Smith, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Oct. 1, 2025, at the 1000 block of Emerson Street, NW.
Smith is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.
According to court documents, Smith and three other suspects allegedly pointed a handgun at the victim, struck him with an E-bike, and punched and kicked him while retrieving items from his trunk. During the assault, the victim dropped his phone and a suspect allegedly stole the device.
Smith’s attorney, Steven Roman, revealed that Smith lives with his mom, has a 16-year-old sister with disabilities whom he helps take care of, and attends school virtually. Roman acknowledged that Smith has a pending case in Maryland for similar offenses but said Smith is on release and in home confinement for that case.
In the defense’s argument, Roman said that Smith’s offense in Maryland reportedly might change from being charged as an adult to a juvenile because of his compliance to release conditions.
However, the prosecution argued Smith’s offenses in Maryland are serious and that he allegedly associates with a group of juveniles alleged to have committed violent offenses in Maryland and DC. According to the prosecution, police are investigating the group for additional offenses.
Judge Raymond ruled that because of Smith’s age and the seriousness of the allegations in both jurisdictions, the defense’s argument was not sufficient to rebut the presumption his release could pose a threat to the community.
The parties are slated to reconvene on July 9 for a felony status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.
