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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- June 26, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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A DC Superior Court judge placed a defendant on three years of supervised probation.
Field Harrison was charged with robbery and carrying a dangerous weapon (knife) outside a home or business on Jan. 28. He pleaded guilty to both charges.
As part of his plea deal with the prosecution, his other charges of attempted threats to do bodily harm and failure to appear in court were dismissed.
Harrison, 22, said his struggles with addiction caused the crimes to occur.
His defense attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, said that five months in jail has removed Harrison’s issue with addiction because jail time has forced him to remain sober.
Jean-Baptiste also said assistance from the defendant’s mom will keep him out of trouble when he is released.
But, the prosecutor disagreed, saying his mom’s lack of stable housing and inability to financially support Harrison will cause issues. The prosecutor said he believed that it would be best for Harrison to remain in jail, where he can continue his education.
As part of Harrison’s probation, Judge Erik Christian ordered him to receive drug treatment and testing. Harrison must also get counseling for his mental health issues and pay a $200 fine to the Victims of Violent Crime Act fund.
Jean-Baptiste recommended Harrison be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which would effectively seal his case after he completes his requirements. Judge Christian chose not to speak on this matter, but is open to discuss it if the Pretrial Services Agency provides a recommendation.
The judge emphasized that these were “serious and frightening offenses that could have ended in the death of the victims or Harrison himself.”
“I’m young, I just want to start my life out right,” Harrison said.
Judge Christian sentenced Harrison to 36 months in confinement with the entire amount of time suspended plus three years of supervised release for his robbery charge. He was also sentenced to 24 months with all of the time suspended plus three years of supervised release for carrying a dangerous weapon. The two sentences will run concurrent to one another.