District Of Columbia § 24-903 - Sentencing alternatives.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 24-903 — Sentencing alternatives., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 24-903. Sentencing alternatives.
24-903If the court is of the opinion that the youth offender does not need commitment, it may suspend the imposition or execution of sentence and place the youth offender on probation.
The court, as part of an order of probation of a youth offender between the ages of 15 and 18 years, shall require the youth offender to perform not less than 90 hours of community service for an agency of the District government or a nonprofit or other community service organization, unless the court determines that the youth offender is physically or mentally impaired and that an order of community service would be unjust or unreasonable.
A positive test for use of marijuana, or a violation of , shall not be considered a violation of an order of probation unless the judicial officer expressly prohibits the use or possession of marijuana, as opposed to controlled substances generally, as a condition of probation.
Within 120 days of January 31, 1990, the Mayor shall develop and furnish to the court a youth offender community service plan. The plan shall include:
Procedures to certify a nonprofit or community service organization for participation in the program;
A list of agencies of the District government or non-profit or community service organizations to which a youth offender may be assigned for community service work;
A description of the community service work to be performed by a youth offender in each of the named agencies or organizations;
Procedures to monitor the attendance and performance of a youth offender assigned to community service work;
Procedures to report to the court a youth offender’s absence from a court-ordered community service work assignment; and
Procedures to notify the court that a youth offender has completed the community service ordered by the court.
If the court unconditionally discharges a youth offender from probation pursuant to , the court may discharge the youth offender from any uncompleted community service requirement in excess of 90 hours. The court shall not discharge the youth offender from completion of the minimum of 90 hours of community service.
If the court shall find that a convicted person is a youth offender, and the offense is punishable by imprisonment under applicable provisions of law other than this subsection, the court may sentence the youth offender for treatment and supervision pursuant to this subchapter up to the maximum penalty of imprisonment otherwise provided by law. The youth offender shall serve the sentence of the court unless sooner released as provided in .
Where the court finds that a person is a youth offender and determines that the youth offender will derive benefit from the provisions of this subchapter, the court shall make a statement on the record of the reasons for its determination. The youth offender shall be entitled to present to the court facts that would affect the decision of the court to sentence the youth offender pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.
If the court shall find that the youth offender will not derive benefit from treatment under subsection (b) of this section, then the court may sentence the youth offender under any other applicable penalty provision.
If the court desires additional information as to whether a youth offender will derive benefit from treatment under subsection (b) of this section, the court may order that the youth offender be committed for observation and study at an appropriate classification center or agency. Within 60 days from the date of the order or an additional period that the court may grant, the court shall receive the report.
Subsections (a) through (e) of this section provide sentencing alternatives in addition to the options already available to the court.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 24-903
What does D.C. Code § 24-903 cover?
Section 24-903 ("Sentencing alternatives.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 24-903?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 24-903" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 24-903 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.