2010 Legislative Session

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As the Georgia General Assembly begins another legislative session under the Gold Dome, Douglas County District Attorney David McDade prepares once again to be a voice for crime victims at the State Capitol. McDade serves as the legislative chair of the Georgia District Attorneys Association. In this capacity, he monitors the actions of the General Assembly and assists legislators as they discuss bills that affect the criminal justice system. “I am honored to represent Georgia’s District Attorneys and Prosecutors at the Georgia General Assembly. I never forget that just like in the courtroom, my job at the Capitol is to remind Senators and Representatives that we are there advocating for victims of crime,” stated McDade.

One of the top legislative priorities for District Attorney’s this year is to bring the Georgia Crime Victim Bill of Rights in line with the federal Crime Victim Bill of Rights, as outlined in House Bill 567. “Crime victims must be notified and have the opportunity to be present at all court proceedings,” stated McDade. “This legislation guarantees crime victims and their families will be involved in every phase of the criminal case.”

Another major concern for District Attorney’s is the recent Georgia Supreme Court Decision, State of Georgia v. Chase, in which the court overturned the conviction of a teacher who had a sexual relationship with a student. In this case, the victim testified that she initiated contact with the teacher and consented to the sexual relationship. “Representative Doug Collins responded with legislation to the Court’s interpretation of Georgia law by introducing House Bill 897, which addresses the issue of the victim’s consent being used as a defense in cases where the defendant is in a position of authority over the victim,” stated McDade. “The State of Georgia does not need to set a precedent that would allow people, such as teachers or probation officers, the ability to entice those in their care into sexual acts with no consequences by claiming the relationship was consensual.”

“The 2010 Budget is the huge concern for everyone this year,” stated McDade. District Attorneys statewide experienced severe budget cuts earlier this year when Governor Perdue asked them to cut their budgets by 6%. As a result of these cuts, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council voted to furlough all state employees in District Attorney’s Offices one day a month in order to meet these demands. “If we are asked to make additional cuts to our budget for 2010 District Attorney’s across the State will have to come up with more options, which may include additional furlough days or eliminating positions all together,” stated McDade. “It is imperative that District Attorney’s receive adequate funding for their daily operations to ensure criminals are held accountable for their actions and our communities remain safe.”

“It is my duty as a District Attorney to stand up for victims of crime in the courtroom,” stated McDade. “However, I consider it a privilege to assist legislators as they draft legislation and pass laws that truly protect crime victims.”