Circuit Court Judge Sentences Convicted Attempted Murder Defendant

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Anthony Vittoria sentenced a convicted attempted murder defendant on Jan. 23 to a total of 46 years in prison, in addition, required him to pay a $1,000 fine.

Judge Vittoria sentenced Jermaine Davis to twenty-five years for attempted second-degree murder, a consecutive ten years each with the first five years without the possibility of parole for the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime and possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and a year for having a handgun within 100 yards of the public along with a $1,000 fine.

On April 18, 2022, Davis, 40, was convicted of attempted second-degree murder, the use of a firearm during a felony violent crime, possession of a firearm with a felony conviction, and having a handgun within 100 yards of the public in connection to an incident on Aug. 2, 2021.

According to a news release, on the day of the incident, officers were called to the 2500 block of Edmondson Avenue for reports of a shooting. On arrival, officers found a 29-year-old male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

During Monday’s hearing, the prosecutor addressed the defendant’s behavior during his trial, saying the defendant tried to intimidate and threaten the eye witness not to testify against him.

He claimed that the defendant had clear anger issues and behavioral problems.

Lastly, the prosecutor argued that the defendant has an extensive record with several prior convictions. For these reasons, the prosecutor suggested that the defendant be sentenced to a total of 66 years, with the first five years being without parole.

In her rebuttal, Davis’ defense counsel Natalie Finegar asked the court to take into consideration the defendant’s mental health and sentence him within guidelines.

She informed the court that her client suffers from PTSD as well as mental health issues. She claimed that while the defendant has been incarcerated, he has suffered from severe head traumas and sustained a stabbed wound.

When given the opportunity to address the court, the defendant complained that the prosecutor did not turn over the evidence in his case in the proper amount of time. He believed he and his defense counsel were not given enough time to properly prepare for trial.

“I shouldn’t have to give up my life because the prosecutor made a mistake. I ask for a fair chance to prove my innocence,” petitioned the defendant.

Prior to the defendant’s sentencing, his defense counsel filed a motion for a retrial. She informed the court that before the defendant’s trial, he requested a postponement because he did not have enough time to prepare for trial with his counsel.

Finegar asks the court to grant a retrial.

Judge Vittoria denied the motion for retrial.

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