Hochman takes oath as LA County's new DA; vows to reject 'extreme' policies

Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney, promised to steer a middle course as he was sworn in as Los Angeles County district attorney Tuesday.

Hochman succeeds George Gascón, known as the godfather of progressive prosecutors, after defeating him by a 20-point margin in the November election.

The ceremony

About 300 people attended the event, held on the front steps of the Hall of Justice in downtown L.A. They included Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, L.A. Police Chief Jim McDonnell and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who administered the oath of office.

Praising Hochman, Schwarzenegger said, “The city of Los Angeles is now going to be back.”

Policies reversed

Hochman, 61, immediately rescinded many of the progressive policies of his predecessor. He said he would allow prosecutors to again seek the death penalty and sentencing enhancements that can add years to a person’s prison term.

Hochman also lifted a ban on prosecutors filing charges for low-level misdemeanors, including driving on a suspended license, drug and paraphernalia possession, and public intoxication. “We begin to get our public safety house in order today,” he said.

Hochman said he would establish six new task forces, including one on homelessness, fentanyl poisoning, human trafficking, hate crimes, organized retail crime and residential burglary.

Hochman's 'middle road'

The new district attorney said he rejects “extreme policies on both ends of the pendulum swing," and that he opposes decarceration (the effort to limit the number of people who are behind bars) as well as mass incarceration.

He said people are looking to live in a county where “safety is prioritized, laws are followed, those who break them are held accountable and the process to get there is fair, impartial, ethical and effective.”

Reaction to Hochman

Many who attended the ceremony were D.A. employees happy to welcome a new boss.

“We’re excited for change,” said Martha Picasso, head secretary to the gang unit. “Morale is down. A lot of attorneys left our office.”

Beverly Hills City Councilmember John Mirisch praised Hochman.

"I’m thrilled," he said. "He is going to be a game changer for all of us. I think our communities will be a lot safer with Nathan as D.A."