Hochman Takes Helm as LA County DA, pledging Policy Shift and Menendez Resentencing Review
Nathan Hochman, an independent candidate with a background in federal prosecution, will officially assume the role of Los Angeles County District Attorney on Tuesday. The ceremony, taking place on the steps of the Hall of Justice, marks a turning point for the county’s legal landscape as Hochman promises a stark departure from his predecessor’s policies.
A Return to Tougher Sentencing and Increased Prosecution
Hochman, who previously ran for California attorney general as a Republican, has positioned himself as a centrist alternative to George Gascón. Central to Hochman’s platform is a pledge to
reverse several key initiatives implemented during Gascón’s tenure.
Topping the list are plans to reinstate gang-related sentencing enhancements, a move aimed at addressing what Hochman perceives as a rise in violent crime. He also intends to increase the filing of juvenile charges, signaling a more punitive approach towards youth offenders.
Furthermore, Hochman intends to empower prosecutors by allowing them to attend parole hearings alongside victims’ families. This strategy aims to forcefully advocate against the release of potentially dangerous individuals, a stance likely to generate debate within the Criminal Justice system.
Hochman’s administration is also expected to see a return to prosecuting low-level nonviolent offenses, such as criminal threats, trespassing, disturbing the peace, and loitering. Justifying this shift,
Hochman asserts that these offenses often contribute to a sense of lawlessness and negatively impact the quality of life in various communities, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
Death Penalty Back on the Table Despite Statewide Moratorium
Perhaps the most contentious element of
Hochman’s agenda is his stated intention to reconsider the death penalty.
Despite a statewide moratorium on capital punishment imposed by Governor Gavin Newsom, Hochman has declared that “the death penalty is back on the table” in Los Angeles County.
This bold stance is likely to ignite fierce opposition from death penalty abolitionists and ignite a legal battle challenging the legality of
Hochman’s position.
Concerns About Increased Incarceration Rates
Public defenders have expressed apprehension regarding Hochman’s proposed changes, voicing concerns about the potential for a significant rise in incarceration rates.
Garrett Miller, president of the Los Angeles Public Defenders’ Union, has warned that misdemeanor and felony filings, along with sentencing enhancements, could increase dramatically under Hochman’s leadership.
Miller fears that these policies will disproportionately impact marginalized communities and exacerbate existing social and racial inequalities within the justice system.
Menendez Resentencing Motion Postponed
One of
Hochman’s most high-profile legal challenges will be the resentencing motion for Erik and Lyle Menendez, convicted of the 1989 murders of their parents.
Originally scheduled for this month, the hearing has been postponed to January 30-31 by Judge Juan Carlos Jesic.
Hochman expressed gratitude for the delay, stating that it affords him ample time to review the complexities of the case thoroughly.
“Judge Jesic’s decision to continue the hearing on the resentencing motion to January 30-31 will provide me with sufficient time to review the extensive prison records, transcripts of two lengthy trials, and voluminous exhibits, as well as consult with prosecutors, law enforcement, defense counsel, and victim family members,” Hochman stated. “I look forward to thoroughly reviewing all the facts and the law to reach a fair and just decision, and then defend it in court.”
The postponement allows Hochman to familiarize himself with the intricacies of the Menendez case and formulate his approach to the resentencing motion. The highly publicized case is sure to draw significant attention and scrutiny as Hochman navigates the legal and ethical complexities surrounding the brothers’ potential release.
How might Hochman’s policy changes impact racial disparities within the criminal justice system in Los Angeles County?
## Hochman Takes Helm as LA County DA: A New Era of Law and Order?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Alex Reed, legal expert and former [Alex Reed Credentials]. Nathan Hochman was sworn in as Los Angeles County District Attorney this week, promising a significant shift in the county’s legal landscape. Alex Reed, can you break down some of Hochman’s key policy changes and what they might mean for Los Angeles?
**Alex Reed:**
Certainly. Hochman’s election marks a clear departure from the progressive policies implemented by his predecessor, George Gascón. He’s promised a return to tougher sentencing, outlined by plans to reinstate gang enhancements and increase the prosecution of juvenile offenders. He also intends to empower prosecutors to attend parole hearings alongside victims’ families, potentially leading to fewer releases of incarcerated individuals.
**Host:** And Hochman’s stance on low-level offenses seems to be generating a lot of debate.
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Hochman has stated that his administration will begin prosecuting offenses like trespassing and disturbing the peace, arguing that these contribute to a sense of lawlessness. Critics, however, worry about potential over-policing and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.
**Host:** Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Hochman’s platform is his intention to reconsider the death penalty in Los Angeles County, despite the statewide moratorium.
**Alex Reed:** Precisely. This move has drawn sharp criticism from death penalty abolitionists, who will likely challenge the legality of Hochman’s position. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the courts and what impact it will have on the ongoing debate about capital punishment in California.
**Host:** What are some of the potential consequences of these policy changes, both positive and negative?
**Alex Reed:**
On one hand, supporters of Hochman’s policies argue they will lead to safer streets and increased accountability for criminals. They point to rising crime rates as evidence that Gascón’s policies were too lenient. On the other hand, critics worry that Hochman’s approach will result in increased incarceration rates, disproportionately impacting communities of color and contributing to mass incarceration. The potential for increased policing of low-level offenses also raises concerns about racial profiling and the criminalization of poverty.
Ultimately, time will tell what the long-term impact of Hochman’s policies will be on Los Angeles County. [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/06/politics/los-angeles-district-attorney-nathan-hochman/index.html)]
