CASE STUDY: DISTRICT ATTORNEY

THE CHALLENGE

The District Attorney (DA) holds a powerful yet often overlooked role in holding systems accountable. Traditionally, DA platforms focus on crime rates and public safety, with limited attention to issues like prosecuting law enforcement, racial bias, and systemic accountability. As the chief law enforcement officer in a judicial district, the DA decides whether to file criminal charges against both civilians and law enforcement, directly impacting community safety and the enforcement of laws.

• Overrepresentation in Cases: Black individuals comprise nearly 25% of cases referred to the DA in Denver, despite making up only 9% of the population.
• Disproportionate Sentencing Reductions: 57% of white defendants in Denver had their sentences reduced, compared to only 48% of Black defendants.
• Higher Prosecution Rates: Black individuals are 77% more likely to face charges with mandatory minimums than white individuals (Vera Institute).
• Increased Pretrial Detention: Black defendants are detained nearly five times more than white defendants, adding pressure to accept plea deals (Prison Policy Initiative).
• Lower Diversion Program Rates: Black individuals are 27% less likely to receive diversion opportunities, limiting alternatives to incarceration (Bureau of Justice Statistics).
• Racial Disparities in Self-Defense Claims: Fatal shootings by white individuals of Black victims are deemed justifiable 34% of the time, compared to 3% when a Black person fatally shoots a white person (Duke Center for Firearms Law).
• Higher Conviction Rates and Harsher Sentences: Black men receive sentences 19.1% longer than white men for similar offenses (U.S. Sentencing Commission).
• Greater Use of Coercive Plea Bargains: Black defendants are disproportionately offered harsher plea deals due to economic barriers and prolonged detention (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers).

OUR APPROACH

Since its inception, DJP has prioritized DA accountability, starting with the 2016 recall campaign against DA Mitch Morrissey. In the 2024 election, DJP engaged early with candidates to establish open lines of communication and reinforce accountability to the communities they serve.

• Community-Led Forums: DJP organizes forums where DA candidates directly address community concerns, ensuring they hear from diverse voices with lived experience.
• Key Issues Addressed:
  • Police Accountability: Advocating for fair investigations and prosecutions in cases of police misconduct.
  • Equitable Prosecutorial Practices: Challenging double standards to build fairness for Black and Brown communities.
  • Plea Bargaining Reform: Opposing coercive plea deals that disproportionately impact marginalized defendants.
  • Bail System Reform: Pushing for pretrial fairness based on equity, not financial means.
  • Data Tracking: Supporting comprehensive tracking to ensure transparency in prosecutorial decisions.
  • Expanding Victims’ Rights: Broadening the definition of “victim” for fairer treatment and protection.

DJP centers real cases, such as Stephan Long’s, to press current and incoming DAs on accountability. Questions about Stephan’s case were highlighted at every public forum, ensuring that outcomes for impacted individuals remained central to DA accountability.

THE IMPACT

DJP has reshaped DA elections by mobilizing voices traditionally excluded from the political process. Our strong relationship with DA John Walsh empowers Black and Brown communities to shape justice outcomes. Through sustained advocacy, Stephan Long’s charges were ultimately dropped, setting a precedent for holding DAs accountable for charging decisions.

DJP will continue to work with DA-elect John Walsh, both through his tenure as an incumbent and after he takes office in January 2025. We remain committed to educating the public on the DA’s role and engaging the office in ongoing accountability. By collaborating with other organizations and conducting outreach, DJP aims to ensure DA accountability well beyond election cycles, advancing justice, transparency, and systemic change.