Jose’s 21st Century Progressive Agenda
When I began my career as a prosecutor in September 2001, I knew that my opportunity to change the criminal justice system had finally come. Eighteen years later, I stand ready to become the next Queens County District Attorney. As District Attorney, my prosecutorial philosophy can be summarized by these 21 principles that I will adopt on day one of my administration.
1. Make Diversion the Rule
2. Charge with Restraint and Plea Bargain Fairly
3. Move Toward Ending Cash Bail
4. Encourage the Treatment (Not Criminalization) of Mental Illness
5. Encourage the Treatment (Not Criminalization) of Drug Addiction
6. Treat Kids Like Kids
7. Minimize Misdemeanors
8. Account for Consequences to Immigrants
9. Promote Restorative Justice
10. Shrink Probation and Parole
11. Change Office Culture and Practice
12. Address Racial Disparity
13. Create Effective Conviction Review
14. Broaden Discovery
15. Hold Police Accountable
16. End the Poverty Trap of Fines and Fees
17. Expunge and Seal Criminal Records
18. Play Fair with Forensic Evidence
19. Work to End the Death Penalty
20. Calculate the Cost of Incarceration
21. Employ the Language of Respect
For more information on these principles you can click the link below and read the report “21 Principles For The 21st Century Prosecutor” authored by The Brennan Center For Justice, Fair and Just Prosecution, and The Justice Collaborative.