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D.C. Witness Staff
- July 25, 2020
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On July 24, a DC Superior Court judge released a defendant who was charged with shoplifting and unlawful entry.
Juven Luis was arrested on May 1 after Luis disobeyed a barring notice from the unit block of Dupont Circle, NW.
Judge Jonathan Pittman decided to release Luis, reminding him of the stay away order implemented against him and ordering him to continue complying with medication and community mental health services.
Luis allegedly returned to the barred location daily after he was ordered to stay away. The suspect allegedly tried to leave the establishment without paying for his items when he was placed under arrest.
Judge Pittman previously ordered a full mental evaluation for Luis on July 16. The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) delivered the report on July 22.
The report indicated that Luis was competent to stand trial, and that he had been receiving mental health treatment at DC Jail.
Luis’ attorney, Thomas Lester, then requested Luis’ release based on his competency report. The prosecution did not object to Luis’ release, but asked that he be reminded of the stay away order and admonished to comply with mental health services.
The prosecution said a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) was offered before the hearing.
Judge Pittman said a diversion agreement would be less problematic amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which the prosecution agreed to consider.
Luis is scheduled to appear in court again on Sept. 17 to discuss the status of his case.