Shame the Prosecuting Attorneys!

Do prosecuting attorneys really withhold evidence? Some actually do! This thought is not too far-fetched for it not to be a reality; especially if the prosecuting attorney is in dire need of a conviction.

As stated by Lopez, "Prosecutorial misconduct is an epidemic in our nation. Bad-acting prosecutors tarnish the image of otherwise hard-working, justice seeking, and law-abiding prosecutors. However, this small group of bad-acting prosecutors have a destructive impact on our criminal justice system. Not only do these bad-acting prosecutors put their conviction rate ahead of seeking justice, these bad actors often send innocent people to prison for a very long time. These bad actions forces the public to lose confidence in the system while costing the systems millions of dollars in costly appeals."

Thankfully, AB 1909 (Lopez) wants to make it a felony for a prosecuting attorney who intentionally withholds exculpatory evidence with a 16 month, 2, or 3-year county jail imprisonment term. What a way to teach those prosecutors! 

But, will it really change their ideology and approach to convictions? Will the corrupt prosecuting attorneys be held accountable for their actions? Really?!? Those are the burning questions for us all. 

To summarize, criminal charges are the best recipe and remedy for the destructive, thoughtless prosecuting attorneys; because something has to occur for the prosecuting attorneys to be held liable for their devastating and despicable behavior. The "withholding evidence chain" has to eventually be broken, specifically for criminal justice reform to occur. 

By: Porscha Dillard

Special Project Coordinator

Time For Change Foundation

                                                                   References:

AB 1909 (Lopez) – As Amended March 28, 2016. As Proposed to be Amended in Committee.