Judge Continues Hearing for Defendant to Consider Withdrawing Plea

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 30, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On July 30, a DC Superior Court judge continued a hearing in order for a felony domestic violence defendant to consider withdrawing his guilty plea.

The defendant pleaded guilty to lesser charges of simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. He was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree cruelty to children for throwing one of his nephews to the ground in an argument. The defendant then threatened his sister and her children with a knife.

As part of a plea deal, the prosecution agreed not to seek an indictment on further charges from the incident. The prosecution also agreed to dismiss two other cases, in which the defendant is charged with a bail violation and simple assault.

Judge Dayna Dayson sentenced the defendant to three months of incarceration for the weapons charge, alongside a consecutive sentence of 180 days for the assault charge, all but 90 of which were suspended.

Judge Dayson also sentenced the defendant to three years of supervised probation, conditions of which include complying with mental health and substance abuse assessments as well as stay away orders from the victims.

After the sentence was imposed, the defendant became unhappy with the results. He said that the purpose of him pleading guilty was to be released into the community in the near future. Judge Dayson reiterated that judges do not have to comply with recommended sentences.

After the defendant spoke with his attorney, Steven Ogilvie, he decided that he needed more time to consider withdrawing his guilty plea.

The defendant will appear in court again on Aug. 7 to further discuss his decision regarding the guilty plea.