Concerned Humboldter asks Elan Firpo…
Plea Bargains
The daily arrest logs indicate there are some names that appear over and over again. Understanding that plea bargains are often a way of avoiding jury trials but still a “victory” for both sides, will you, if elected, avoid that trap and take the felony cases of habitual offenders to trial to add to their strike list? In other words, will rap sheets mean anything to you as the DA?
— Concerned Humboldter
Response
Elan Firpo
One of my objectives is close the revolving door on those few people who are repeat offenders and are preying upon the rest of us. As the only candidate whose has been in the office since realignment, I have seen my case load grow, although not necessarily because there are more defendants. There are repeat offenders repeatedly committing the same crimes. These people have been granted probation and for whatever reason they are not taking advantage of those services.
So yes, absolutely, the RAP sheet will shape how we prosecute in my office. If a person is a repeat offender, refusing to amend their behavior, turning their back on the services of probation, they have earned a special deal = no deal. They have a right to speedy trial, which they should expect to exercise. As District Attorney I will not be offering plea dispositions in cases where the person has repeatedly committed crimes and is a danger to public safety. Those people need to remain in custody.
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