Media Coverage

DDA Eric Siddall discusses Governor’s Early Release Ballot Initiative.

DDA Marc Debbaudt discusses the unreported social and economic costs of Prop 47.

DDA Marc Debbaudt discusses his op-ed on Prop 47.

“In the city of Los Angeles, property crimes such as burglaries and motor vehicle thefts have risen 10.9% compared with the same period last year. Violent crime, such as aggravated assaults and robberies, has soared 20.6%. Mayor Eric Garcetti told The Times those increases may be linked to Proposition 47.”

Read more: California’s Prop. 47 revolution: Voters were sold a bill of goods

DDA Marc Debbaudt discusses the problem of ‘sanctuary cities’ that protect illegal immigrants who commit crimes.

“‘I don’t think these current reforms are helping at all,’ says Eric Siddall, a prosecutor in Compton. He’s also on the board of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys, which bitterly opposes Prop 47. Siddall is very clear about why he thinks crime went down in neighborhoods like this.  ‘They beefed up the penalties, and I think the penalties have kept people off the street, and because of that, things are safer,’ he says.”

Read more: Is It Possible To Let More People Out Of Prison, And Keep Crime Down?

“A 2014 California voter initiative has retroactively downgraded a range of property and drug felonies to misdemeanors, including forcible theft of guns, purses and laptops. More than 3,000 felons have already been released from California prisons, according to the Association of Deputy District Attorneys in Los Angeles County. Burglary, larceny and car theft have surged in the county, the association reports.”

Read more: The New Nationwide Crime Wave

DDA Eric Siddall raises concerns that “reforms” such as Prop 47 appear driven by ideology rather than practical reality.

DDA Michele Hanisee discusses recent attacks on prosecutors and courthouse security.

“The union representing Los Angeles County prosecutors voiced concern Wednesday about the safety of its members in the wake of recent incidents that included a prosecutor being stalked and others being attacked by defendants in court.”

Read more: Rise in Attacks on L.A. County Prosecutors Have Some Concerned