Judge Sentences Defendant to 9 Months on Probation

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant to 30 days, all of which were suspended, plus 9 months of supervised probation on Aug. 5. 

James Cleckley pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug on the 2700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on July 23, 2019. 

Judge Sean Staples said he would not normally provide jail time, but did so because the defendant was arrested again for the same offense.

As conditions of his probation, the defendant must participate in a traffic safety program, traffic alcohol program and a victim impact panel. Judge Staples also ordered Cleckley pay $50 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Act fund. 

The defendant must also receive drug testing and treatment as recommended by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).  

“I completely take ownership of my actions and apologize,” said Cleckley.