Judge Sentences Felony Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge sentenced a defendant in a felony case that dates back to 2017.

In March, Christopher Sanders pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for shooting a victim multiple times during a dispute on May 17, 2017. 

As part of a plea deal, the prosecution dropped his other charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During the Oct. 5 hearing, defense attorney Mani Golzari pointed out that Sanders, 33, has successfully complied with his pretrial release under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) for the past three years and a half years. 

Judge Neal Kravitz sentenced the defendant to 24 months, all of which was suspended, plus two years of probation for carrying a pistol without a license. Sanders was sentenced to 60 months, all of which was suspended, plus two years of probation for the assault charge. 

Both the sentences and the probations will run concurrent to one another.

As conditions of his probation for the assault charge, Sanders must maintain employment, not possess any firearms and participate in an anger management program.

Sanders must also pay a total of $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime (VVC.)

Yasmeen McGettrick