It's no secret that prosecutors in Los Angeles are not happy with newly elected District Attorney George Gascon.
Since he took office just a few weeks ago, Gascon has issued a series of executive actions that prevent prosecutors from using criminal sentence enhancements under the Three Strikes Law and direct them to withdraw all pre-existing enhancement allegations for factors like gang affiliation or possession of a firearm.
Prosecutors say these reforms ignore or just blatantly violate state laws put in place to protect all of us.
In a lawsuit filed last week, the Association of Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles, the union that represents prosecutors, says that Gascon has overstepped his executive authority with these directives which they say aren't just "radical" but "plainly unlawful."
ADDA Vice President Eric Siddall said in a statement to the L.A. Times:
"Los Angeles County prosecutors have been placed in an impossible position. Do we follow our legal and ethical responsibilities and risk getting disciplined, even fired, by our new boss. Or do we follow his policy directives and risk losing our California State Bar Cards, and by extension, our ability to practice law anywhere in the state? We're asking the court to answer those questions."
Last week, a judge ordered Gascon to show the court why they shouldn't block the reforms he has put in place thus far. He has until January 15th to oppose the union's request.
Gary & Shannon spoke with Michele Hanisee, the President of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys about the case.