Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant to Serve Over 4 Years in Prison

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 12, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

A defendant said he has accepted responsibility for his actions while being sentenced for assault with a dangerous weapon.

During an impact statement, the victim called Dwaune Houston “emotionally destroyed and “a menace to society.” Yet, she said she forgives him and wishes him the best. She said she just wants him out of her life.

“I can’t stop thinking that I could be dead, all for his own selfish reasons,” the victim said. 

Houston entered a guilty plea in November. He admitted to firing nine shots at the victim, who was with her partner and children at the time.

The prosecution requested that the defendant serve six years, with placement into a domestic violence intervention program and a stay away, no contact order that includes any contact from third parties.

The prosecutor said Houston has failed to comply with the current stay away orders and continues to contact the victim from jail. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley said the defendant took immediate responsibility for his actions very early on, showing incredible insight with what he wants to do with his life. 

“Houston went through a rough childhood where he experienced a lot of neglect growing up,” said Mosley.

The judge pointed out that Houston committed the assault despite the fact that he was on probation, going to the extent of taking off his surveillance monitor.

“It was because of pure luck that there were no injuries, but there was clear intent of malice on behalf of Mr. Houston,” said DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman. 

Judge Edelman noted that there is a history of domestic violence between Houston and the victim. He also said Houston has a substantial criminal history, with an escalating pattern of malicious acts. 

“I don’t know if he is a menace to society, but he certainly is a menace to the victim,” said Judge Edelman before sentencing Houston. 

Houston was sentenced to the 52 months of incarceration with 3 years of supervised release. 

Conditions of Houston’s release include obtaining his GED, taking part in a mental health assessment and treatment and a domestic violence intervention program as deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.) 

Judge Edelman also ordered a no contact stay away order from the victim, that includes third parties. 

The defendant must register as a gun offender within 48 hours of release, and must remain registered for two years after probation. 

Houston must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund. 

This article was written by Adriana Montes