Judge Says Domestic Violence Defendant ‘Has Great Promise’ During Sentencing

By Mara Osterburg [former] - July 28, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a domestic violence defendant to three years in prison.

Delonte Peters was originally charged with kidnapping. According to the prosecution, on May 9, 2020, he grabbed the victim from behind and threw her into her car. He then totaled her car by driving it into a lake.

Peters pleaded down to simple assault and second-degree attempted theft. He was sentenced to six months for each charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Judge Neal Kravitz also sentenced him to two-and-a-half years for assault with a dangerous weapon in a separate case. That sentence will run consecutive to the sentence in the domestic violence case, leaving Peters with three years to serve in total.

Judge Kravitz ordered him to stay away from the victims in both cases. He also recommended he receive substance abuse and mental health treatment while in prison.

Defense attorney Frances D’Antuono spoke about how her client’s mental health issues contributed to his actions on May 9, but said he is making an effort to get mental health treatment and take rehabilitative steps.

Peters then spoke to the court, saying he was very sorry and has written letters to both victims.

Judge Kravitz commended both sides for the thoroughness of the information provided. He said he felt like he really understood the complexities of Peters’ situation.

Towards the end of the July 28 sentencing, Judge Kravitz called Peters “someone who has great promise” and said that as long as he stays in mental health treatment he will be a productive member of society.