In a statement released Monday afternoon, District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez said she profoundly believed in the values expressed in those memorandums, but that they have become the source of considerable scrutiny and misinterpretation concerning not only her use of her broad prosecutorial discretion, but all prosecutors in Georgia. The Day One measure included a policy not to charge simple possession of marijuana offenses, regardless of amount; as well as not requiring bail for non-violent offenses. Gonzalez stated her office has prioritized prosecuting violent offenders, safeguarding the streets of Clarke and Oconee counties, and ensuring justice is served with due process.
Full Statement from District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez:
District Attorney Gonzalez announces withdrawal of day one and year two memorandums
Athens, Georgia: Today, District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez announced her withdrawal of the written policy memorandum she released upon taking office and the updated written policy memorandum she issued at her two-year mark. She profoundly believes in the values expressed in those memorandums. She designed them to ensure that her prosecutors focused on cases where serious harm occurred and where they had the resources to support victims of harm, which her voters elected her to do.
While D.A. Gonzalez disagrees that either memorandum implied that the office refuses to prosecute any particular offense, D.A. Gonzalez's memorandums have become the source of considerable scrutiny and misinterpretation concerning not only D.A. Gonzalez's use of her broad prosecutorial discretion but all prosecutors in Georgia.
As a team, the District Attorney's Office has prioritized prosecuting violent offenders, safeguarding the residents of Clarke and Oconee counties, and ensuring that justice is served with due process. However, disputes concerning the meaning of D.A. Gonzalez's memorandums have become a distraction, and she is withdrawing both written policy memorandums. The attorneys in her office will continue to review the facts and circumstances of each case for which probable cause exists, and a prosecutorial decision will be made based on those facts and circumstances and consideration of the public's interest and safety.
