Commonwealth Attorney
Definition
The chief prosecutor for each Kentucky county, elected to prosecute felony crimes. In Jefferson County, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office handles murder, assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and other serious crimes tried in circuit court (misdemeanors are prosecuted by County Attorney). Commonwealth Attorneys have enormous discretion over charging decisions and plea bargains, making this office crucial for criminal justice reform or perpetuation of mass incarceration.
Louisville Context
Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s office prosecutes approximately 6,000 felony cases annually. The office has historically taken tough-on-crime approaches with aggressive charging and opposition to diversion programs. Prosecutorial practices significantly affect racial disparities in incarceration—Black defendants receive harsher charges and plea offers than white defendants for similar crimes. The Commonwealth Attorney is elected independently from the mayor, limiting mayoral influence over prosecution policies.
Why It Matters
Prosecutors decide who gets charged, with what crimes, and what plea deals are offered—decisions that profoundly affect people’s lives and drive racial disparities in incarceration. When prosecutors reflexively pursue maximum charges rather than considering alternatives like diversion or treatment, they perpetuate mass incarceration and racial injustice. Prosecutorial reform is essential for criminal justice reform.
Dave’s Proposal
While Dave can’t control the independently-elected Commonwealth Attorney, he’ll advocate publicly for prosecution reforms: reducing charges for low-level offenses, expanding diversion programs, addressing racial disparities in charging, and declining to prosecute poverty-related crimes. He’ll create diversion programs reducing cases prosecutors handle. He’ll use his platform to support progressive prosecution in future Commonwealth Attorney elections.