DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a stabbing defendant to one year of probation after she apologized for her past conduct and described her efforts to overcome addiction during a sentencing hearing on June 25.
Helen Harris, 55, pleaded guilty on June 11 to simple assault stemming from a stabbing on Aug. 8, 2024, on the 1500 block of F Street, NE.
According to court records, prosecutors claimed Harris struck a victim in the head with a sharp object, causing a laceration that required medical attention. In the same hearing, Harris pleaded guilty to an unrelated incident of simple assault that happened the year before.
Prosecutors requested that Judge Arthur sentence Harris to 180 days of incarceration on each count, to be served consecutively. They argued that Harris had an extensive criminal history and multiple prior bench warrants.
Harris’ attorney, Susan Ellis, requested a suspended sentence with probation. Ellis argued that Harris had complied with pretrial supervision, consistently tested negative for drugs, remained out of legal trouble since the incidents, and was actively participating in substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Addressing the court, Harris acknowledged that she struggled with drug addiction and became emotional while describing the impact of her son’s death from gun violence. She told the court she had found stability through treatment, her faith, and the support of family, friends, and a pastor. Harris also said she had been mentoring a young person for several years, that she wanted to leave her former lifestyle behind, and that she repeatedly apologized for her actions.
Judge Arthur said Harris’ conduct while on pretrial release demonstrated that she could successfully comply with probation. He sentenced Harris to 180 days, all suspended, one year of probation, and ordered her to pay $50 for each charge to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
As conditions of probation, Harris must remain available for substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Before concluding the hearing, Judge Arthur encouraged Harris to continue relying on her support system and reminded her that setbacks may occur during recovery. He told Harris that she should not define herself by her past struggles, but by how she responds to future challenges.
As Harris thanked the court, Judge Arthur responded, “Don’t thank me, thank yourself.”
No further dates were set.
