Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Gets Trial Date

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Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Melissa M. Phinn set a trial date on Sep. 13 for a non-fatal shooting defendant.

Baltimore resident, Joseph Black, 35, was charged in connection to an incident on December 26, 2019. He was charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault; two counts of second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm in a violent crime, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, conspiracy to use of a firearm in a violent crime, having handgun on his person, using a handgun in a vehicle, firing a gun within the city, illegal possession of ammunition; and eight counts of firearm possession with a felony conviction, stealing a pistol, as well as 30 traffic violations.

On Monday, the prosecutor shared a plea of 15 years, suspending all but five, without the possibility of parole, and three years of probation for possession of a firearm with a felony conviction.

Defense attorney Thomas Rafter said that the prosecution discussed the latest offer with him on Sept. 11 after the earlier rejection of another offer of 20 years for possession of a firearm with a felony conviction. Rafter said his client rejected the new offer but that the matter could be resolved prior to trial.

A trial date was scheduled for Oct. 1.

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