This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
DA Gascón's Reform Effort Runs Into Opposition From His Own Prosecutors
L.A. County DA George Gascón. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
When L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón took office on Dec. 7, he immediately issued a sweeping set of directives designed to implement his progressive criminal justice agenda.
One order in particular has run into heavy opposition from the DA's own prosecutors: his order to stop seeking longer sentences — through the use of so-called "enhancements" — for circumstances such as a defendant using a gun or belonging to a gang.
The prosectors' union has sued Gascón in an attempt to undo the policy; while that legal battle plays out, individual deputy district attorneys are arguing against their own motions to drop enhancements.
We watched this remarkable scenario play out in a double murder case being heard in an L.A. courtroom.
READ OUR FULL STORY ON ONE PROSECUTOR'S REVOLT AGAINST THE DA:
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
