Judge Sentences Defendant in Accordance with Mandatory Minimum

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 14, 2020
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DC Superior Court Judge Judith Smith sentenced a defendant to 14 months with credit for time served plus three years of supervised release in accordance with the mandatory minimum sentencing rules.

Davon Easton, who is also known as Javon Hassock and Je, pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm with a prior conviction for armed robbery.

Judge Smith said she would like Easton to receive the support and education to succeed as soon as possible. 

The judge advised the defendant to seek out aid for substance abuse, critical thinking and transitional housing after his release. She also asked Easton to take steps towards earning his GED and getting job training so he can provide stability for himself, his partner and his family.

Easton pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 19, 2019. He has been detained in DC Jail since Sept. 20, 2019.

Since Easton has already been in jail for almost 10 months and is receiving credit for time served, he will be released in about four months. 

His supervised release will run concurrent with his pre-existing supervised release from his previous felony conviction.

Defense attorney Shawn Sukumar asked for the shortest possible sentence so that his client can receive support from his community and family. Sukumar said that Easton, who was a teenager at the time of his first felony, has never had access to necessary mental health or educational services. 

“I haven’t received proper help with mental health,” said Easton. “I was put in jail when I was 19, and I feel like I’ve never been given the support I needed.” 

The prosecution suggested the defendant be detained for 18 months and then put on probation. The prosecutor agreed that Easton should receive mental health services.

“The record also reflects a lack of family love and support as well as a lack of educational materials at formative ages,” she said.