Judge Sentences Defendant to 14 Months in Prison

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 10, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge decided to reimpose a defendant’s sentence after his probation was revoked. 

Herman Smith pleaded guilty to attempt to commit robbery on March 15, 2019. He was sentenced to 14 months of incarceration, all of which were suspended, one year of probation and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program, complete 30 hours of community service, obtain a mental health evaluation and treatment and stay away from the victim. 

However, Smith did not comply with several conditions of his probation, including using drugs, not completing community service, has not gotten a neurological exam even though Judge Judith Smith ordered it,  has not paid the money to the compensation fund and has failed to appear at numerous court hearings. It was revoked by Judge Rainey Brandt on Aug. 19. 

Judge Judith Smith sentenced Smith, 60, to 14 months in prison, his original sentences, plus three years of supervised release. When released, Smith will also have to participate in a drug treatment program and mental health assessment and treatment. He must also pay $100 to the Crime Victims Compensation Program.

She waived Smith’s requirements for community service during his probation. 

According to the judge, Smith, 60, has been on probation for 15 months. 

Court documents stated that Smith tried to steal a victim’s purse after she refused to give him money. The incident occurred on the 600 block of G Street, NE in October of 2018. Smith was immediately arrested by officers who witnessed the crime. 

“I been through something that I wish I never got myself into. I tried to snatch that lady’s pocketbook, which was wrong. And I will never do that again,” Smith told the judge during the Sept. 9 hearing, adding that he is sick and tired of the case, which has undergone judicial proceedings since 2018.