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Will you use your prosecutorial discretion to support the elimination of cash bail and unnecessary pretrial detention, allowing exceptions only for violent crimes, flight risks, or serious mental health concerns? Why or why not?

As District Attorney, I would use my prosecutorial discretion to reduce unnecessary pretrial detention and support alternatives to cash bonds for nonviolent offenses where there is no threat to public safety, within the limits of the law. Pretrial detention should protect public safety and ensure defendants appear in court. Release before trial should be based on safety and flight risk, not ability to pay. Unnecessary pretrial detention can cause destabilizing effects, including job loss and separation from family. Cash bond policies disproportionately and adversely impact people facing financial hardship and minorities, undermining trust in the justice system. I will work closely with judicial officials, law enforcement, and pretrial services to promote risk-based assessments and advocate for release conditions that avoid income disparities while considering non-monetary factors such as offense severity, evidentiary strength, flight risk, and public safety.

How would you prioritize early release or alternative resolutions for individuals with remaining sentences for minor offenses to reduce jail overcrowding and promote equitable outcomes?

As District Attorney, I will prioritize alternative resolutions for individuals facing minor, nonviolent offenses at the front-end of cases where prosecutorial discretion is strongest. These potential resolutions include deferred prosecution agreements, conditional dismissals, diversion programs, and probationary sentence recommendations.

In North Carolina, the authority to order early release from an imposed sentence rests with the judge, not the District Attorney. Judges handle sentencing, modification, and activation of suspended sentences. However, the District Attorney has meaningful discretion and input into sentences before they are imposed, which can reduce jail populations and promote equitable outcomes, particularly for individuals charged with or serving time for minor, nonviolent offenses. For individuals already serving minor or low-level offenses, my office will support a motion for sentence modification and consent to early termination of probation, when appropriate. I will work with judges, defense counsel, law enforcement, and community partners to identify cases when continued probation does not advance public safety, particularly when individuals have demonstrated compliance with the terms of their probation, stability, or progress in substance use treatment. Reducing jail populations requires using incarceration for those who pose a real risk, while reserving alternatives for cases where accountability can be achieved without unnecessary confinement.

How will your office prioritize non-prosecution and ensure the expungement of prior marijuana convictions, including supporting vacating these convictions if state law changes?

As District Attorney, I will prioritize the prosecution of offenses that most threaten our community, including violent crimes, gun violence, sexual assault, and domestic abuse – not the prosecution of minor marijuana possession cases. I am committed to reducing unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system so that we can use our limited resources to ensure accountability for conduct that threatens our community’s safety. For minor marijuana possession cases, I will offer non-punitive alternative resolutions, including diversion, substance abuse education, and treatment-oriented outcomes, to prevent new convictions and to minimize barriers to employment, housing, and economic opportunity.

Under current law, the District Attorney’s authority to prosecute, dismiss, consent, or recommend expunction of criminal charges, including marijuana convictions, is determined by the General Assembly. In most cases, convictions may not be expunged until after statutory requirements and specific waiting periods are met. If the General Assembly legalizes marijuana, then as District Attorney, I will prioritize the expungement of marijuana convictions as permitted by law. Specifically, I will support and consent to expunction petitions where state law authorizes it. I will also participate in outreach efforts and referrals to educate impacted individuals about their expunction rights and processes.

How will you use charging and diversion policies to reduce mass incarceration and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?

The survival, well-being, and future of our youth are of the utmost importance to me. I’ve spent more than half of my life mentoring young people, and I will continue this commitment as District Attorney. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in gun violence and other serious offenses committed by juveniles, which is concerning and must be addressed. Decisions made by the District Attorney in the early stages of a case can alter the trajectory of a young person’s life, and I take that responsibility seriously. As District Attorney, I will use my discretion to divert cases that do not need to be handled by the justice system and appropriately address those that do, always with the safety of the community in mind.

I will work closely with law enforcement, school systems, and community partners to ensure school disciplinary issues are handled in educational settings whenever possible, rather than through the courts. A central part of this effort will be through one of my initiatives to create a District Attorney Youth Advisory Council. This will give young people–particularly those from communities impacted by the justice system– a meaningful voice in shaping policies that affect them. Their lived experiences will help inform charging decisions, diversion programs, and my outreach efforts to ensure that policies and practices are responsive, effective, and grounded in real-world impact. When court involvement becomes necessary, I will support alternatives such as restorative justice programs, mentoring, counseling, and mental health and substance use treatment. These approaches will promote accountability while addressing root causes, without creating insurmountable barriers for our youth.

Public safety will always remain a priority, and serious offenses will be addressed through the court system. Youth-informed policy will be instrumental in achieving the best outcomes for our youth and in building safer communities. These issues are complex, but the commitment to the survival of our youth must never waver.

What specific policies would you implement to address racial disparities in charging, sentencing, and incarceration?

Addressing racial disparities in charging, sentencing, and incarceration requires intentionality, accountability, and transparency. As District Attorney, I will confront these disparities directly through policy, oversight, and accountability while maintaining public safety as the core responsibility of the office. This commitment is informed not only by my professional experience, but also by my lived experience as a person of color. I understand both personally and professionally how disparities in our justice system affect individuals, families, and entire communities. That perspective matters and reinforces my desire to lead with fairness and integrity.

I will implement clear written guidelines that shape the work our Office does and make plain our commitment to equitable justice. I will also publish written plea guidelines for nonviolent and minor offenses to promote consistency and fairness in decision-making. These guidelines will reduce discretionary disparities across cases while still allowing for consideration of individual circumstances by documenting departures to ensure transparency and accountability. I will expand the current use of the Office’s specialized prosecution units and create a new one for violent offenses such as shootings and robberies. This will help ensure that cases are handled by prosecutors with subject-matter expertise, leading to more uniform decision-making and fairer outcomes. I will prioritize early and ongoing internal case review, particularly for serious and complex cases. These reviews will assess charging decisions, case progress, and time to disposition to ensure cases move efficiently and individuals are not held in pretrial detention longer than necessary before being found guilty of anything. Victims will also get more timely access to justice.

Finally, I will expand the use of diversion and alternative resolutions for minor, nonviolent offenses. Diversion reduces unnecessary incarceration, and those geared at treatment and education address the root causes, thereby promoting public safety.

As District Attorney, I will not only enforce the law but also ensure that justice is administered equitably with integrity and compassion. I want to build a system that is fair, effective, and worthy of the public’s trust.

How will your office ensure police and sheriff deputies are held criminally accountable for misconduct, including failure to intervene in lethal incidents or violations of internal policies (e.g., body camera use)?

No one is above the law. Accountability is essential to public safety and to earning and maintaining the public’s trust. As DA, I will ensure that law enforcement officers are held accountable for misconduct when the evidence and law support criminal charges. That includes cases involving excessive use of force or other conduct that rises to the level of criminal liability.

Not every violation of an internal policy constitutes a crime. Internal policies often create standards that exceed what is legally required, and violations of those policies are handled through departmental administrative processes, not criminal prosecution. As District Attorney, I will follow the law, apply the facts, and make charging decisions based on legal standards regardless of the offender.

My approach is informed by my experience serving as legal advisor to the Raleigh Police Department. In this role, I work closely with officers and executive command staff, review uses of force, advise on policy compliance, and help ensure constitutional policing. This experience gives me a practical understanding of law operations, as well as a focused lens through which to view conduct that crosses the line from policy violation to criminal wrongdoing. To ensure accountability and transparency, as District Attorney, I will ensure that there is a rigorous review process of cases involving criminal wrongdoing, provide information to the public regarding my decisions, and above all, be committed to handling these cases without fear or favoritism. Accountability builds legitimacy, protects good officers, and reinforces public trust.

How will your office handle cases involving civil disobedience to protect assembly rights while ensuring both civilian and police violations are addressed under the law?

The right to assemble and peacefully protest is fundamental to our democracy and must be protected. As District Attorney, I will continue to ensure that cases involving civil disobedience are handled in a way that respects constitutional rights while maintaining public safety and accountability under the law. In my current role advising law enforcement on constitutional policing, I already do this work. I routinely counsel officers on First Amendment protections, lawful crowd management, and de-escalation during demonstrations. These kinds of issues are more prevalent in my current role because the Raleigh Police Department serves the Capital City, where most people come to address grievances. This experience informs how I evaluate protest-related cases, with an understanding of both constitutional requirements and on-the-ground realities.

As District Attorney, I will ensure that my Office clearly distinguishes between peaceful assembly and conduct that threatens public safety, property, or individuals. Peaceful protest alone should not be criminalized. Charging decisions will be guided by the specific facts, the conduct, and whether there is evidence of violence, destruction, or harm. Where charges are not legally or factually supported, they will not be pursued. These determinations will be addressed promptly to avoid unnecessary delays in resolving these cases.

I will lead with integrity and compassion, continuing the work I do now to uphold constitutional policing, ensure accountability, and maintain the public’s confidence in our work.

How will you use prosecutorial discretion to protect undocumented victims and reduce immigration consequences stemming from minor offenses?

Public safety depends on trust. It is important that all victims and witnesses, including those who are undocumented, feel safe coming forward to report crime and cooperate with law enforcement without fear that doing so will trigger immigration consequences. As District Attorney, I will use my prosecutorial discretion to protect all victims, promote accountability, and ensure the justice system is accessible to all. This means holding people accountable when necessary, diverting cases when appropriate, and avoiding outcomes that undermine public trust or exacerbate inequities in the system. As District Attorney, I will always strive to strike the right balance.

It is important to note that the District Attorney’s role is not to enforce federal immigration law, but to enforce state or local criminal offenses. Immigration status should not be a barrier to seeking justice, nor should it drive charging decisions in our state courts. My focus will remain on public safety, the facts of each case, and the fair administration of NC state and local law. Charging, plea, and sentencing recommendations will be made based on public safety and fairness, not immigration status. Minor offenses should not result in life-altering unintended consequences that destabilize families or deter individuals from reporting crime. Serious and violent offenses will be prosecuted appropriately, regardless of immigration status. Accountability and compassion are not mutually exclusive. This approach reflects my core priorities: promoting public safety, administering justice with integrity and compassion, and ensuring that our justice system works for everyone who lives in and contributes to our community.

How would you pursue accountability for corporations whose actions knowingly harmed the environment or public health, including local or state-level legal remedies? Additionally, have you accepted contributions from large corporations or their executives? If yes, from which entities and why did you accept those contributions? Please explain your position and reasoning.

Corporations and individuals should be held accountable when their actions knowingly harm the environment or public health. No entity, regardless of size, influence, or resource, is above the law. Accountability protects our community and builds public trust – no matter the offender.

As District Attorney, I will pursue accountability through all appropriate local and state-level legal remedies that permit criminal prosecution under NC law. That includes prosecuting criminal violations where the evidence supports violations of applicable environmental and public health statutes. I will also coordinate with state regulators and the Attorney General’s office when matters involve broader jurisdictional authority or complex issues that may not be appropriately handled by my office. My focus will always be on facts, evidence, and the law, not political influence or economic pressure. Protecting public health and the environment is a core public safety issue and will be treated accordingly.

With respect to campaign contributions, I want to be clear and transparent. I have never run for political office before and do not have any longstanding political networks, power bases, or aspirations tied to influence or access. I am not aware of receiving any contributions from large corporations or corporate executives. As a first-generation college graduate and first lawyer in my family, I do not come from wealth, nor do I have personal or social connections to wealthy individuals or corporate leadership. Any contributions my campaign receives are accepted in compliance with the law and without expectation of influence. My independence and integrity are central to who I am and how I would serve as District Attorney. I cannot be bought, pressured, or swayed by status or money, and I would never compromise public safety, public health, or environmental protection for political or financial gain. I firmly believe that the District Attorney should never play politics with people’s lives.