In a special to the editorial board at the Charlotte Observer, Braxton Winston II, Charlotte City Councilman At-Large, highlighted criminal justice issues. Because of the money bail system, the majority of Charlotte’s jail population has not been convicted of a crime. They simply cannot pay bail. Additionally, African Americans are arrested at larger rates.
Winston also pointed to the promise of positive change with the election of District Attorney Spencer Merriweather. Merriweather won the primary and has no challenger for the position in November. The role of District Attorney is critical because of the power prosecutors have, such as deciding who gets charged and with what. In particular, Winston called attention to the power of the District Attorney to change the money bail system. Learn more here.