Dina King urges North Carolina Congress to prioritize victim accountability and funding reforms
September 29, 2025 | Judiciary: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary convened on September 29, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding victims of violent crime, with a focus on the implications of current pretrial release policies in Mecklenburg County. The meeting highlighted concerns over unsecured bonds and taxpayer-funded pretrial release programs, which critics argue prioritize offender convenience over public safety.
Dina King, an attorney and former prosecutor, presented a compelling case against these policies, stating that unsecured release diminishes accountability and leads to cycles of missed court appearances and rearrests. She emphasized that when offenders are released without financial stakes, compliance with court appearances declines, ultimately delaying justice for victims and creating new victims through repeat offenses. King pointed out that Mecklenburg County has spent over $3.8 million on pretrial programs that lack accountability, contrasting this with secure bail systems that have historically provided better outcomes without taxpayer costs.
King also criticized the lack of automatic victim notification systems in North Carolina, which she believes leaves victims uninformed about their cases. She urged the committee to support "Irina's Law," a bipartisan initiative aimed at restoring accountability and protecting victims.
In addition to King’s testimony, the meeting featured discussions on the need for increased resources for prosecutors in Mecklenburg County, where staffing levels are significantly below recommended numbers. King noted that the high caseloads lead to turnover and hinder the district attorney's office from effectively prosecuting cases.
The committee's discussions underscored a broader call for collaboration among law enforcement, community organizations, and mental health professionals to address violent crime comprehensively. King concluded by stressing that solutions must be tailored to the specific needs of communities, advocating for funding to support local initiatives aimed at reducing crime and aiding victims.
The meeting served as a critical platform for addressing the challenges faced by victims of violent crime and the systemic issues within the criminal justice system that impact their safety and access to justice.
Dina King, an attorney and former prosecutor, presented a compelling case against these policies, stating that unsecured release diminishes accountability and leads to cycles of missed court appearances and rearrests. She emphasized that when offenders are released without financial stakes, compliance with court appearances declines, ultimately delaying justice for victims and creating new victims through repeat offenses. King pointed out that Mecklenburg County has spent over $3.8 million on pretrial programs that lack accountability, contrasting this with secure bail systems that have historically provided better outcomes without taxpayer costs.
King also criticized the lack of automatic victim notification systems in North Carolina, which she believes leaves victims uninformed about their cases. She urged the committee to support "Irina's Law," a bipartisan initiative aimed at restoring accountability and protecting victims.
In addition to King’s testimony, the meeting featured discussions on the need for increased resources for prosecutors in Mecklenburg County, where staffing levels are significantly below recommended numbers. King noted that the high caseloads lead to turnover and hinder the district attorney's office from effectively prosecuting cases.
The committee's discussions underscored a broader call for collaboration among law enforcement, community organizations, and mental health professionals to address violent crime comprehensively. King concluded by stressing that solutions must be tailored to the specific needs of communities, advocating for funding to support local initiatives aimed at reducing crime and aiding victims.
The meeting served as a critical platform for addressing the challenges faced by victims of violent crime and the systemic issues within the criminal justice system that impact their safety and access to justice.
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