On Sept. 23, a DC Superior Court judge sentenced a drug possession defendant to 24-months of probation under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA.)
Derek Prince pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine back in August. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution dropped a possession of drug paraphernalia and a distribution of cocaine charge.
Judge Craig Iscoe also sentenced Prince, 26, to 20 months with time suspended and three years of supervised release. While on his 24-month probation sentence, Prince must take part in drug and alcohol testing. He must also maintain employment and must pursue further educational opportunities.
The prosecution asked for Prince to not be sentenced under the act because he has been sentenced under it three times before.
However, Judge Iscoe was willing to give Prince one more chance based on his pretrial compliance. Because Prince was sentenced under the YRA, his case will effectively be sealed once he completes his requirements.
Prince must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund, which is under the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program. He also has 18 months to do 50 hours of community service.
