New regressive DA emboldened by repackaged War on Drugs proposition

Nathan Hochman’s “tough on crime” stance and intent to criminalize homelessness and bring back unjust sentencing enhancements threatens public safety. His approach will undoubtedly deepen intergenerational cycles of harm. 

Hochman’s rhetoric, combined with the mega-corporation and law enforcement special interest group-backed passage of Proposition 36 signal a dangerous move backward for public safety in LA County and California more broadly. Prop 36 expands Three Strikes-style penalties and re-entrenches punitive measures for substance users. This approach to public safety is backwards–rooted in fear and NIMBY-ism rather than common-sense solutions like affordable housing and mental health care.

Court Watch LA rejects Hochman’s approach. We know that “tough on crime” policies just don’t work, and have only served to enact violence against marginalized people. In fact, one of Hochman’s main criminal defense endeavors (most of which were to defend white collar defendants) was to defend Sheriff Lee Baca for covering up abuse of incarcerated people within Men’s Central Jail. How can we trust Hochman to be impartial in courtroom policymaking, when he has a defined track record of defending abusive law enforcement officers? 

We will continue to hold Hochman and the court system accountable, advocating for transformative solutions that prioritize community care, liberation, and healing for all Angelenos.

Remember, we will be watching,

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Sign up for a one-hour court watch orientation at courtwatchla.org/training. Our next session is November 12. 

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