A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to probation after he pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.
Raphael Ward fired a gun in self defense on Jan. 10, 2019, after being shot on the 2600 block of 3rd Street, NW. However, Ward was not supposed to have a gun because he has a prior felony conviction.
During the Aug. 4 hearing, Judge Kimberley Knowles said she understood why Ward had a gun. She also said his story is made very believable because he bought the gun in anticipation of violence and then was actually shot. However, she also pointed out that Ward knew it was illegal for him to buy the gun.
Judge Knowles sentenced the defendant to 18 months, all of which were suspended, plus nine months of probation.
Conditions of Ward’s probation include drug testing, a mental health evaluation and maintaining or seeking employment.
