Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant under Youth Act

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 10, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Documents | Homicides | Juveniles | Probation |

A defendant said he has accepted responsibility for his actions as he was sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) in two cases on Feb. 9..

Michael Moore  pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in a felony case. As part of a plea deal, the prosecution dropped his other charges of tampering with physical evidence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Moore also pleaded guilty to charges in his misdemeanor domestic violence case. He pleaded guilty to contempt in exchange for the prosecution dropping his other charge of attempted threats to do bodily harm. His other misdemeanor domestic violence case, in which he was charged with  contempt, unlawful entry, destruction of property and second-degree theft, was dismissed per the plea deal. 

Defense attorney Brett Cohen said his client had underlying mental health issues and asked DC Superior Court Judge Julie Becker to put him on probation so he could focus on these issues.

Judge Becker said that Moore has already been held for the domestic violence case for more than 180 days; therefore, she can only sentence him to time served for the contempt charge. 

For the pistol charge, Judge Becker sentenced the defendant to one year, suspending all of the sentence save for the time he has already served, plus one year of probation. 

Conditions of Moore’s probation include taking part in  substance abuse assessment and treatment, mental health assessment and treatment and a domestic violence intervention program as deemed necessary by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA.) 

The  defendant is required to attend employment readiness sessions, and or obtain employment.

The defendant must also register as a gun offender within 48 hours of release. the defendant must remain registered 2 years after probation. 

Moore must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC) compensation fund for the pistol charge and $50 for the contempt charge.

Because he was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements. 

“I’m sorry for whatever happened to the victim and it won’t happen again. I do need help,” said Moore. 

A probation review hearing is set for April 7.