Scheduling Conflict Delays Non-Fatal Shooting Plea

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On Dec. 4, A 27-year-old non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea before Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn, but temporarily held off because his attorney wasn’t available.

Devin Wallace is charged with firearm possession with a felony conviction, possession of firearms in a controlled dangerous substance offense, having a handgun on his person, discharging a firearm within Baltimore City, illegal possession of ammunition and reckless endangerment in connection to the April 4, 2022, incident.

The prosecution offered Wallace seven years in prison, the first five years without the possibility of parole, for the charge of firearm possession with a felony conviction. Wallace would also be required to register as a gun offender. 

Wallace accepted the offer, but wanted his attorney, Jerry Tarud, to represent him as the plea was being accepted. Tarud was present in this hearing, but was about to begin a trial in another courtroom.

Judge Phinn scheduled Wallace’s plea hearing for Jan. 26, 2024, before Judge Robert K. Taylor, Jr.