Protecting the Vulnerable

In Depth: 

The vulnerable often suffer at the hands of criminals. One of the most essential roles a prosecutor can play is to protect and help the most vulnerable in society.

Continue to Listen to Victims' Concerns and Work to Help Them:

Prosecutors must listen to victims and work to address their concerns whenever possible. Sometimes this means taking input on the way to resolve a case. Sometimes this means seeking restitution from offenders. Sometimes this means connecting individuals with resources and working to ameliorate the damage from an offense or put an individual in a place where they cannot be victimized in the future. I believe the Denver District Attorney must use all of the resources at his or her disposal to ensure that the criminal process helps victims.

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Hold Violent Criminals and Repeat Offenders Accountable:

One of the core functions of any District Attorney is upholding the law. We must hold individuals accountable when they harm or victimize others and endanger the public safety. We cannot allow anyone to prey upon the people of Denver.

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Get Guns Off the Streets:

We must support and strengthen programs that help get guns off the streets: That means working with the Denver Police Department to help confiscate firearms and prosecuting those who use them in crimes. That also means continuing to support the firearm confiscation program, which helps ensure those accused of domestic violence do not have access to firearms. We must utilize Colorado’s Red Flag law where appropriate to ensure dangerous individuals do not have access to firearms. Finally, we must advocate for criminal penalties anytime individuals with felony convictions possess firearms.

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Prioritize Prosecution of Domestic Violence Offenses and Crimes Against Children:

We must prioritize prosecutions of domestic violence offenders and those who commit crimes against children. These are the most pernicious types of offenses because they victimize those without the ability to protect themselves and tear at the foundations of our community. We must band together to ensure everyone remains safe. Prosecuting these crimes is one of the first steps to establishing safety for everyone in our community.

Devote Special Resources to Fight Human Trafficking, Elder Abuse, and Hate Crimes: 

We cannot shy away from prosecuting offenses because the victims are difficult to reach or the investigation involves special efforts and resources. Each of these types of crimes is difficult to investigate and prosecute, requiring special expertise, unique skills, and additional sensitivity. However, each of these types of offenses victimize individuals in the worst ways. We need to make special efforts to protect people, even if it is difficult to do so.

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Use Alternatives to Prosecution and Incarceration Whenever Possible to Help Keep Offenders from Returning to the Criminal Justice System:

Sometimes – particularly when an offender can fully atone for their crimes or when no one is victimized – the best course is to use seek alternatives to traditional prosecution. Individuals who are struggling with addiction and untreated mental health needs often require special understanding. And sometimes an individual can make an isolated mistake in an otherwise law-abiding life. In these types of situations, a prosecutor must seek alternatives to harsh punishments that could make the situation worse. Depending upon the scenario, that could mean a community-based sentence that focuses on helping an individual. That could also mean dismissing a case to focus on alternatives to prosecution. We must continue to utilize and strengthen the Denver DA’s diversion program, restorative justice efforts, and problem-solving courts in order to help put individuals in a better position so they do not have continual involvement in the criminal justice system.

Treat Vulnerable Populations With Dignity:

Criminal laws protect everyone equally. That means that regardless of whether an individual is an undocumented immigrant or a citizen, housed or unhoused, the law protects them the same. Some populations – like the undocumented and the unhoused – may require special cultural sensitivity from law enforcement. We must ensure that the Denver DA’s Office treats all individuals with dignity and advocates for the safety of all communities.

Hold Everyone Accountable, Including Law Enforcement and Governmental Agencies:

Anyone can be vulnerable when the powerful are not held accountable for violations of the law. We must ensure the Denver District Attorney’s Office acts as a check on the police and others in power.