Working for a criminal justice system that is just, equitable and trusted.
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On January 12th, I was sworn in for my second term as Denver’s district attorney and renewed my oath to support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Colorado. I am honored to continue to serve you.
Last year presented many hurdles as well as opportunities for all of us. We kept the office running while most staff worked from home, we dealt with a rise in crime and an onslaught of COVID-related scams, and we responded to calls for racial equity and justice.
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DA Beth McCann is sworn-in
by the Honorable Theresa Spahn
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In 2020, we filed more than 7,400 new misdemeanor cases in Denver County Court and more than 5,800 new felony cases in Denver District Court. We responded to citizens, supported victims and witnesses and provided discovery to defense attorneys and defendants.
As COVID took root and the need for social distancing increased, our office worked with legal stakeholders to significantly reduce the inmate population. At the court’s request, we analyzed cases to dispose of as many as possible while always being mindful of accountability and public safety. As a result, the combined jail populations dropped by more than 40%, increasing safety for inmates and staff.
Moving forward into 2021, we look toward expanding our current programs and focusing on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, while we continue to prosecute crimes and investigate criminal activity. By ensuring we live in a society that is governed by laws, we help shape what kind of society we are going to have. It is our responsibility to the people of Denver to advance a society that is just, equitable and compassionate so that all of us trust in our criminal justice system.
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The Denver Post reported that 95 people were killed in homicides in Denver in 2020, which, they say, “is the highest number recorded in the city since 1981, a 51% increase from the 63 recorded in 2019 and a sharp uptick from the numbers seen over the past decade.”
The police find that in many of these incidents, stolen guns were used. The number of stolen guns on Denver’s streets is staggering and we’re seeing more guns getting into the hands of young people and those who shouldn’t have them.
Currently, a bill is making its way through Colorado’s General Assembly that requires firearms be “responsibly and securely stored when they are not in use to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users.” DA McCann supports HB21-1106, The Safe Storage of Firearms Legislation, because it will help law enforcement track stolen guns, prevent many needless tragedies and make all of us safer. Click here to learn more about the proposed legislation.
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The U visa: A Chance to Move Forward
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Juanita, has been brightening our afternoons as our janitor for over 19 years.
Twenty five years ago, in her hometown in Guatemala, Juanita married her husband who is from the United States and when he returned to Colorado, she came with him. Over time, he became abusive and threatened to have her deported and to separate her from her daughter. She endured the abuse out of fear until she found help through service and support organizations that helped her get a U visa.
A U visa is a nonimmigrant status visa for undocumented victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse due to the crime like Juanita. The Denver DA’s Office helps more than a hundred undocumented victims every year with U visa certification.
“Thanks to the U visa I was able to move forward with my life, and create a path for a good future for my daughters. I encourage people to come forward and seek help,” said Juanita.
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Restorative Denver: Our Victim-Centered and Community-Based Restorative Justice Program
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Just over a year ago, the innovative Restorative Denver program began accepting clients. Restorative Denver allows offenders to avoid having a criminal record, while also increasing empathy and repairing the harm they caused to victims and to the broader community.” One year later, 88 cases were referred into the program and 52 cases have successfully completed the program and been dismissed. It is inspiring to see victims and offenders resolve the harm caused by the underlying crime. DA McCann explained that, “If these cases go through criminal courts, victims rarely feel the same sense of satisfaction and resolution that they receive through restorative justice.”
The Denver District Attorney’s Office partners with The Conflict Center to administer the Restorative Denver program. The most common case referrals have been third-degree assault, child abuse, and theft and will expand to accept appropriate felony charges such as theft, criminal mischief, and burglary. Restorative Denver serves a diverse group of offenders. Of the program’s offender participants, 63% were male and 37% were female. The program also served a racially diverse group of participants who were 42% white, 27% Latino or Hispanic, 25% African American, and 6% other. Participants ranged in age from 13 to 82.
Those who participated in Restorative Denver were both appreciative of the opportunity and felt that it had a real impact on their lives. Here’s what some participants have to say about Restorative Denver:
“Meeting my offender gave me the opportunity to tell him how I felt.”
“Restorative Justice meant that my voice was heard.”
“I told the offender how his crimes impacted my whole life.”
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We Rolled out Barrels and Barrels and Barrels |
Once again, our staff proved they have big hearts. We supported the Metro Caring Roll Out the Barrels Food Drive and raised $1100 toward five months of food deliveries for 100-150 families every week – that’s more than 2,500 grocery deliveries.
Metro Caring is a master at turning monetary gifts into real time relief for those who need it while building a movement to address the root cause of hunger.
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Denver District Attorney's Office | 303-913-9000 | 201 W. Colfax Ave. | DenverDA.org |
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