Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 16, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A defendant with a felony charge in a domestic violence case said he has accepted responsibility for his actions during his Oct. 16 sentencing hearing

Joey Grady was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm on May 8. As part of a plea deal with the prosecution, he only pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.

The prosecution also dismissed his three other cases – two of which were domestic violence cases – in which he was charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and simple assault.

Judge Juliet McKenna sentenced Grady to 12 months in prison. He will receive credit for the time he has already served, and the rest of his sentence will be suspended.

She also ordered 18 months of supervised probation, conditions of which include that he receive drug treatment as well as anger management therapy. 

“[Grady] sort of in his own fashion has accepted responsibility,” said Judge McKenna.

The victim sent an impact statement to the parties, urging the judge to suspend jail time. She stated that, when Grady is sober, he is a wonderful person and father. She requested that he be allowed to visit his children, but under the conditions that he not threaten them. 

Judge McKenna issued a no Harass, Assault, Threaten or Stalk (HATS) order. 

She also issued a stay away order for another victim. 

The prosecution asked for Judge McKenna to sentence Grady to 12 months but only serve six of those months. She expressed concern regarding Grady’s three pending cases and his history of domestic violence. 

The prosecution argued that Grady has attempted to shift the blame on the victim and avoided responsibility by focusing on how this case would affect him. 

Defense attorney, Quo Judkins, argued that Grady and the victim have had a tumultuous relationship. There have been prior instances where police were involved.

Judkins said that while the couple’s violent history does not excuse her client’s actions, the prosecution’s assertion that Grady has tried to shift blame is incorrect. 

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” said Grady. “I’ve learned a valuable lesson… I am just trying to move forward with my life.” 

Maria Marzullo wrote this story