Judge Sentences Defendant for Unlawful Possession of A Firearm

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On Sept. 22, a DC Superior Court judge gave a defendant the mandatory minimum for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 

As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, Tyrone Carter’s other charges of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm were dropped. 

Defense attorney Bill Ponds asked for the mandatory minimum due to his client’s success while on pretrial release and his compliance with his release conditions.

Judge Julie Becker sentenced Carter to one year and one day plus three years of supervised release.

“I am giving you the lightest sentence I can,” she told the defendant. “I remember Mr. Ponds asking for your release, so you could work and spend time with your family, I’m glad I let you out and glad you came back.” 

Carter must register as a gun offender and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund, which is under the Crime Victims Compensation Program.