A defendant pleaded guilty to assault and attempted possession of a knife and was sentenced to one year in prison despite his health concerns.
Joseph Armstrong was originally charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing a victim under their arm on Sept. 11. Armstrong also allegedly punctured the victim’s tire.
The prosecutor requested that Armstrong be sentenced to six months for each charge, citing his “lengthy criminal history,” previous infractions while on probation and noncompliance with pretrial conditions.
Defense Attorney David Richter explained that Armstrong struggles with mental health issues, homelessness and the challenges that come with being transgender.
The defense also said that Armstrong is HIV positive, and that being at the DC Jail during the COVID- 19 pandemic has been very scary for his client, who is concerned about his health.
DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution, saying that Armstrong has proven that, because of previous probation infractions, confinement is necessary.
