Judge Accepts Plea Deal and Sentences Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

By Ashley Drazka - February 9, 2024
Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

During a Feb. 9 hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz accepted a plea deal for a non-fatal shooting defendant and sentenced her to 18 months of incarceration.

Briana Milam, 34, was originally charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on Aug. 21, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. No injuries were reported.

On Nov. 30, 2023, Milam accepted an offer extended by prosecutors, which required her to plead guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm, in exchange for a dismissal of other charges. In addition, Milam was also required to plead guilty to assault, in connection to a domestic violence incident that occurred on April 22, 2023.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that Milam’s actions were “incredibly dangerous and reckless, and they show a complete disregard for human life.”

Theodore Shaw, Milam’s defense attorney, argued that “this arrest was a cry for help” and that what Milam really needs is access to mental health treatment.

When sentencing the defendant, Judge Leibovitz said that “firing a gun in broad daylight in a public space is extraordinarily dangerous” and that it was clear that Milam has a number of issues she is facing.

Judge Leibovitz accepted the plea deal, sentencing the defendant to 18 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm, 12 months of incarceration for unlawful possession of ammunition and 180 days of incarceration for assault in connection with the previously mentioned domestic violence incident. All sentences will be served concurrently.

She is also required to register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set for this matter.