Michael McMahon, the District Attorney of Staten Island, has embraced an unconventional approach to the opioid crisis by creating a diversion program aimed at helping individuals rather than prosecuting them. However, his efforts were challenged by the 2019 bail reform laws, which he believes delay crucial engagement with defendants. McMahon stands in opposition to some progressive reforms embraced by fellow DAs, insisting that crimes should be prosecuted vigorously. He argues that the district attorney's role should not entwine with political stances on what constitutes a crime, advocating for accountability in criminal behavior instead.
One of the reasons I ran to be district attorney is because I realized that this was an office that could have an incredible impact on issues in the community beyond the traditional role of the prosecutor.
The 2019 bail reform law derailed the effectiveness of my Heroin Overdose Prevention and Education (HOPE) program by delaying the defendant's initial engagement with law enforcement and social workers.
There's a desire to reform that has led to a progressive prosecutor movement, but I see it as a political stance that the district attorney's office has no place for.
If someone commits a crime, we're gonna prosecute it. I don't dismiss cases wholesale or say that's not a crime; those issues should be addressed in the legislature.
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