Man receives reduced charge, probation in Harrison County firearm case

Garrison Warren appeared in Harrison County Common Pleas Court for a change of plea after being indicted Aug. 1 for improper handling of a firearm, a fifth-degree felony. Warren was accused of driving under the influence while having a handgun in his vehicle. The original charge carried a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Judge Shawn Hervey presided over the hearing, noting that the parties had reached an agreement. Warren’s charge was reduced to a first-degree misdemeanor. He was sentenced to one year of supervision through the adult probation office, ordered to forfeit the firearm, and required to pay court costs. He also received a 180-day suspended jail sentence, which could be imposed if he violates the terms of his probation.

Hervey cautioned Warren about the seriousness of his actions. “Basically, you do what you’re supposed to do, you stay out of trouble, you won’t have any problems,” the judge said. “You’re 21 years old, you’re awfully young. This is a gift to not have a felony because technically it was a felony for what you did. Don’t drink and drive. If you’re going to drink and drive, don’t have a weapon on you.”

Hervey continued, emphasizing the risk Warren had taken. “You took a normal night and turned it into a crime while drinking and driving and then turned it into a felony by having a firearm,” he said. “Under different facts and circumstances, at 21 years old, that could have ruined your life. Take this break and do something with it. Don’t make us regret it later on.”

Warren expressed his gratitude for the leniency. “I hope you do,” Hervey said. “Use a little better judgment going forward.”