Judge Plans to End Probation Earlier if Defendant Continues Compliance

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A DC Superior Court judge said she plans to terminate a defendant’s probation earlier than the initial date if he continues to comply with his probation conditions.

“I’m your biggest cheerleader,” Judge Rainey Brandt told the defendant. “Keep moving forward and you’ll do great things.”

On Nov. 18, 2019, Jonathan Groom pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license for having a semi-automatic handgun on the 2200 block of 6th Street, NW, on Sept. 14, 2019.

Groom, 21, was sentenced to six months, all of which were suspended, plus one year of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)

A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer said that, besides missing an in-person meeting on Aug. 6, the defendant has been compliant with his probation.

The CSOSA officer praised Groom for his grades and efforts to earn his GED, which he is expected to receive in January of 2022.

“The pandemic has caused some confusion for a lot of people, but it seems that it hasn’t derailed him,” said defense attorney Chantal Jean-Baptiste. “It shows he’s serious about his probation.”

Judge Brandt said she was proud of the defendant. She also suspended his 24-hour community service requirement, so he may continue to focus on his education.