Defendant Gets No Jail Time, for ‘Out of Character’ Crime

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A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant after he reached a plea agreement with the prosecution.

Paul Harrington pleaded guilty to simple assault, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon and attempted threats to do bodily harm.

Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Harrington to 2 months in confinement. However, she suspended the sentence, ordering him to serve nine months of supervised probation. 

“It was out of my character, and I’m very remorseful,” Harrington said.

Harrington also received a stay away order and is required to complete a 12 week anger managment class, which will be conducted online. He will also have to pay $150 to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.

Harrington is employed and has no criminal history. Both the prosecution and the defense agreed that his crime was out of character.