Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant’s Arrest

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a defendant who failed to appear in court on June 30. 

Herman Smith was charged with assault with intent to commit robbery on Oct. 31, 2018. On March 13, 2019, the charge was changed to attempt to commit robbery, to which he pleaded guilty that day. 

On May 24, Judge Juidth Smith gave Smith a 14-month suspended sentence, meaning he would not have to serve any time behind bars. She also sentenced him to one year of supervised probation.

As part of his probation, Judge Smith required Herman to spend time at an in-patient drug treatment program, do 30 hours of community service, receive a mental health evaluation and comply with a stay away order.

A notice of non compliance was filed on Feb. 19, 2020, prompting Judge Smith to schedule a probation hearing for Feb 24. There, the defendant was put back into a drug treatment program.

Another notice of non compliance was filed on April 15, which was scheduled to be addressed in court on June 23.

When Smith did not show up to the hearing, Judge Heide Herrmann issued a warrant for his arrest. Another hearing was scheduled for June 30. When Smith once again failed to appear in court, Judge McKenna issued a second warrant for his arrest.

Notifications are not yet available for this specific case. Please check back later for updates. Thank you.