Priorities

Prosecutors should fight for public safety by prosecuting crimes. We are not social workers or legislators. Our primary responsibility is to enforce laws. Fulfilling that responsibility with integrity and competence is our most effective way of promoting public safety.

As DA, I will prioritize the prosecution of repeat, serious, and violent offenders. The revolving door that exists for these offenders must stop. For first-time, low-level, non-violent offenders, I will strongly support alternatives to incarceration, including diversion programs.

I will strengthen collaboration and partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to better serve and protect our diverse communities. Gun crimes, hate crimes, and retail crimes will be zealously prosecuted. I will significantly expand community outreach efforts so that prosecutors truly understand the needs and concerns of the people and neighborhoods they serve.

Prosecutors should fight for victims’ rights both inside and outside the courtroom. Under Marsy’s Law, victims are constitutionally entitled to fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process. We should constantly improve that process so that victims are not re-victimized.

As DA, I will push for vertical prosecution of cases. For each case, one prosecutor will be assigned and handle it from the beginning to the end. This will ensure that victims and witnesses are treated with utmost respect and professionalism and can build enduring and trusting relationships with law enforcement.

Justice delayed is justice denied, and victims should not have to repeatedly suffer from undue delays. I will not let cases linger and will aggressively push for speedy hearings, trials, dispositions, sentencings, and restitution. Prosecutors will regularly contact and update victims. I will strengthen and expand victim services to help victims heal and move forward.

Prosecutors should fight for systemic changes that promote fairness and equality for all defendants. Pursuing truth and justice is more important than pursuing convictions. Integrity and transparency are crucial.

As DA, I will reform charging practices in Santa Clara County. With a vertical prosecution model, prosecutors will take full ownership of and charge their own cases. Prosecutors will be trained and held to the highest ethical and evidentiary charging standards so that crimes are thoroughly investigated and evidence properly collected upfront. Charged cases will be truly trial-ready cases.

Discovery will be immediately ordered and provided so that evidence is not lost. All prosecutors will have access to Brady lists and will be encouraged to provide discovery and Brady information liberally to ensure due process.

I will prioritize the modernization of information technology at the DA’s Office to improve data collection, case management, and prosecution strategies. Racial disparities and other systemic injustices cannot be properly addressed without specific and reliable data.

Finally, I will diversify the DA’s Office at the highest levels and build a strong talent pipeline so that, from the top to the bottom, we reflect the rich diversity of the communities that we serve.