Politics & Government

GCC Prosecutor Forum: Tim McGinty

McGinty answers the GCC's questions at their forum Monday

 

TIM MCGINTY

Tim McGinty has served as a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge and an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor.

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On ensuring juveniles not waive their right to counsel without consulting an attorney: For the past decade I might be one of Cuyahoga County’s most fierce advocates for early assignment of counsel … The fact that attorneys can present mitigation that often makes the case look different to police and the prosecutors is very important. It can make all the difference. Juveniles need good justice even more than adults.

On overcharging: As prosecutor, I will not overcharge for plea leverage. I pledge to evaluate carefully before seeking indictment and charge only to the level the facts deserve.

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On racial disparity in incarcerated individuals: The fully transparent data-driven system I have worked for these years will reflect in its statistics whether we are achieving our goals in consistency and fairness in charging, pleas, hiring and promotions … I pledge to recruit minorities for leadership and supervisory positions that exceed the population percentage for the county prosecutors office and to continue to encourage the same for the judiciary, which like the rest of the court is seriously behind.

On juvenile and adult diversion: The smart counties settle these cases fast, focus on rehabilitation so as to allow this correction to take place within the defendant himself, the victim satisfaction and restitution to begin as soon as possible.

Quotable: Everyone here is unified by a common desire to see the city we love return to a level of prosperity and pride we know we are capable of.

Closing: As your next county prosecutor, I will lead the transformation of the office and the criminal justice system to a transparent, diverse, effective, data-driven, efficient and fair, high-performing business model that will restore public confidence and improve the safety of our public by reducing crime.


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