In making the ruling, Bernhardt said he considered Taylor's juvenile record, which includes two violent robberies, and the "level of dangerousness he presents to the community." As a result of a juvenile proceeding, Taylor had been ordered not to have contact with Leconte at the time of the stabbing.
Defense attorney Gabriel A. Terrasa asked the judge to consider Taylor's youth when imposing sentence. He also argued that his client has the potential to be rehabilitated.
The Division of Correction "is tough enough for an adult. ... Imagine what it would be like for a 17-year-old," Terrasa told the judge.
After the sentencing, Terrasa said he was disappointed with the sentence but "accepts the judge's ruling."
"He's a 16-year-old who made a mistake, and he's paying for it," Terrasa said. Taylor turned 17 last month.
Prosecutors said they were pleased with the sentence and found it to be fair.
"We feel that justice was served," Weinstein said.
Weinstein and Dietrich are also to prosecute Leconte, who is from Columbia. His trial is scheduled for Sept. 2. He is being held at the Howard County Detention Center with no bond. He has been indicted on charges of attempted first- and second-degree murder, armed robbery and several other counts.
tyeesha.dixon@baltsun.com
