Los Angeles has a new District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, who was sworn in on Tuesday. He campaigned on a "hard middle approach" to crime, promising to address rising crime rates while also rejecting the extremes of mass incarceration. Hochman's victory signals a shift away from the policies of his predecessor, George Gascón.
During his inauguration, Hochman emphasized his commitment to facts and law, rejecting "blanket extreme policies" on both sides of the criminal justice debate. He echoed his campaign promise to listen to the concerns of Los Angeles residents who felt Gascón's policies were inadequate.
The former federal prosecutor, who ran as an independent, was sworn in by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hochman reiterated his commitment to prioritizing public safety and restoring integrity to the District Attorney's office, ensuring decisions are based on evidence and law, not political ideology.
Hochman has outlined several immediate actions, including restoring sentencing enhancements for firearm use and gang-related crimes, allowing prosecutors to attend parole hearings for victims' families, and rescinding the policy against charging juveniles for thefts under $950. He also plans to establish task forces to address pressing issues like homelessness, fentanyl poisoning, human trafficking, hate crimes, organized retail theft, and residential burglaries, emphasizing collaboration with various agencies to find solutions.
One of the first high-profile cases Hochman will address is the Menendez brothers' resentencing bid. While Gascón supported resentencing, a judge recently postponed the decision. This case will be a significant early test for Hochman's administration.
