Written by: JR Robinson

In the realm of criminal justice, the role of a district attorney (DA) is often misunderstood or mischaracterized, especially during politically charged debates. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy has recently faced criticism from Republican voices over bail reform policies, but the facts tell a different story. Mulroy is not only fulfilling his duties as DA but is doing so with a commitment to fairness, public safety, and evidence-based reform.

What Does a District Attorney Do?

A district attorney is the chief prosecutor in criminal cases at the county or state level. Their responsibilities include:

• Prosecuting suspected lawbreakers.
• Conducting investigations and presenting evidence.
• Recommending sentencing and negotiating plea bargains.
• Advocating for justice while balancing fairness and public safety.

Contrary to popular belief, DAs do not set bail amounts or release conditions—that responsibility lies solely with judges and judicial commissioners. However, DAs can make recommendations during bail hearings, which are advisory rather than binding. This distinction is critical in understanding Mulroy’s role in the bail system.

Shelby County’s Bail Reform: A Data-Driven Success

Shelby County implemented significant bail reforms beginning in February 2023 to address systemic inequities. These changes included individualized bail hearings, access to legal counsel within three days of arrest, and consideration of defendants' financial circumstances before setting bail. The reforms were designed to ensure that wealth no longer determined pretrial freedom—a longstanding issue disproportionately affecting Black and poor communities.

The University of Memphis’ Center for Community Research and Evaluation (CCRE) recently released a comprehensive study analyzing these reforms. Key findings include:

• Bail reforms did not lead to increased releases without bail or lower bail amounts for serious crimes.
• There was no rise in rearrests, repeat offenses, or failure-to-appear rates following the reforms.
• Crime rates in Memphis and Shelby County declined for five consecutive quarters after the reforms began.
• "Get tough" laws introduced in 2024 had little effect on bail outcomes and may have inadvertently harmed low-level offenders more than serious ones.

These findings debunk claims that bail reform compromises public safety. Instead, they highlight how smart, evidence-based policies can improve fairness without increasing crime.

Steve Mulroy: A Champion of Justice

Steve Mulroy’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing these reforms. He has consistently advocated for policies rooted in data rather than fearmongering. In response to the CCRE report, Mulroy stated:

“The data show that giving people a fair hearing, access to legal counsel, and reasonable bail amounts hasn’t led to more dangerous individuals being released, nor has it led to more crime or higher failure-to-appear rates. In fact, crime has gone down since these changes were implemented”.

Mulroy’s approach aligns with national trends showing that jurisdictions adopting responsible bail reform have not seen increases in crime but have made pretrial processes more equitable.

Dispelling Political Misinformation

Despite these successes, Republican critics have attempted to politicize bail reform by spreading misinformation about its impact. Such rhetoric ignores the evidence presented by independent studies like the CCRE report. It also misrepresents Mulroy’s role as DA by conflating his advocacy for fairness with direct control over judicial decisions.

The truth is clear: Steve Mulroy is doing his job—and doing it well. His commitment to fairness and public safety reflects his dedication to serving Shelby County residents without bowing to political pressure.

Why Bail Reform Matters

Bail reform isn’t just about policy; it’s about justice. For decades, cash bail systems have punished poverty rather than crime, destabilizing lives and communities unnecessarily. By advocating for reforms that prioritize fairness and public safety, Mulroy is helping create a system where justice is accessible to all—not just those who can afford it.

Wrap Up

Steve Mulroy embodies what it means to be an effective district attorney: he prosecutes crime responsibly while championing policies that uphold constitutional rights and public safety. The data confirms that Shelby County’s bail reforms are working, despite political attempts to undermine them. It’s time to focus on facts—not fear—and recognize that Mulroy is fulfilling his role with integrity and dedication.