Dominic Nicholson sentenced to 30 and 20 years after jury conviction; enhancements found true

After a jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts, the 187th District Court sentenced Dominic Dimitris Nicholson on Tuesday to 30 years on count one and 20 years on count two, to run concurrently. The court also found enhancements true and entered an affirmative deadly-weapon finding on count one.

The state read enhancement paragraphs and introduced prior judgments into the record. Defense counsel acknowledged the defendant’s receipt of the enhancement notice and waived opening statements. A fingerprint examiner testified to matching prints that tied a prior judgment to the defendant during the punishment phase. The state argued for a substantial sentence, pointing to a lengthy violent criminal history and recent conduct that threatened public safety.

Defense counsel urged mitigation and noted that Nicholson was 16 at the time of his earliest conviction, asked the court to consider his troubled childhood and family circumstances, and sought the minimum allowable sentence. In response, the court noted the seriousness of the history and the need for accountability, but also spoke directly to Nicholson about the possibility of rehabilitation over time.

Judge Boyd pronounced the sentence: “In count 1... I'm gonna sentence you to 30 years in the prison. In count 2, I'm gonna sentence you to 20 years in the prison. The counts will run concurrently. There's an affirmative finding of deadly weapon in count 1, and there's to be no contact with Jayla Satterwhite.” The court ordered credit for time served and advised the defendant about appellate rights and post-conviction procedures.

The court also provided guidance about rehabilitation opportunities while incarcerated and noted that the defendant could seek post-release services through the court at a later date.