Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Resentenced After Non-Compliance

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DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur resentenced a shooting defendant on June 24 after he failed to comply with his release conditions.

Robert Brown, 23, pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal and was sentenced in July of 2021 for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 17, 2020, on the 900 block of Wahler Place, SE. The shooting injured two victims, who were minors, in addition to a one-year-old pit bull.

At the June 24 hearing, Brown was sentenced to 60 months for one charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, to be served concurrently with 13 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business. The defendant will receive credit for time served.   

Judge Arthur made this ruling due to the defendant’s history including probation violation, failure to appear in court and loss of contact with his supervisor. 

Brown’s defense attorney, Peter Cooper, cited mental health issues as the reason for Brown’s difficulty reporting to his supervisor and the court.

“You can be struggling but still make an effort,” Judge Arthur said in response.

Brown was required to register as a gun offender must serve three years of supervised release and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).