With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Hochman takes oath as LA County's new DA; vows to reject 'extreme' policies
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks at his swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Hall of Justice in downtown L.A.
(
Frank Stoltze
/
LAist
)
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.
Sponsored message
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Hochman, 61, immediately rescinded many of the progressive policies of his predecessor.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.
-
President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to vote to release the Epstein files, an abrupt reversal of his previous stance. Here's how his messaging on the issue has evolved since taking office. -
A battle over money and prestige has ended, with surfers declaring victory. For now. -
NPR interviews with current and former officials reveal more of the backstory around the military's strikes in the Caribbean.
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.
Sponsored message
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.”
Listen
0:45
Hochman takes oath as LA County's new DA; vows to reject 'extreme' policies
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."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
