Attorney General; authorize and direct appointment of special prosecutor subject to certain criteria
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly revise the existing framework for handling violent crime in Georgia. The introduction of special prosecutors would ensure that serious offenses such as homicide, aggravated assault, and armed robbery are addressed more effectively, particularly in areas struggling with high crime rates. This legislation is intended to complement the efforts of local prosecutors and provide additional resources to tackle pressing criminal issues, thereby contributing to enhanced public safety.
Summary
House Bill 1349 aims to empower the state of Georgia to address rising violent crime rates through the appointment of special prosecutors. It proposes amendments to Chapter 15 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, allowing the Governor and Attorney General to appoint special prosecutors in jurisdictions where the homicide rate exceeds twice the state average over the past two years. The bill outlines the criteria for appointment, the qualifications required for special prosecutors, and the powers granted to them in prosecuting serious offenses.
Contention
While supporters of HB 1349 underline the importance of tackling violent crime and believe that special prosecutors can bring much-needed focus and expertise to these cases, some critics may express concerns about potential overreach and the implications it may have on local prosecutorial independence. The success of such appointments and their effectiveness in prosecution may be scrutinized, tracking the balance between state intervention and local governance in the judicial process.
Relating to the appointment by the attorney general of a special prosecutor to prosecute certain election offenses that are committed in an adjacent county.
Relating to the appointment by the attorney general of a special prosecutor to prosecute certain offenses committed that cause serious bodily injury or death by peace officers.
Relating to the appointment by the attorney general of a special prosecutor to prosecute certain offenses that are committed by certain peace officers and that result in serious bodily injury or death.
Relating to the appointment by the attorney general of a special prosecutor to prosecute certain offenses that are committed by certain peace officers and that result in serious bodily injury or death.
Relating to the appointment by the attorney general of a special prosecutor to prosecute certain offenses that are committed by certain peace officers and that result in serious bodily injury or death.
Relating to the establishment of the Public Integrity Prosecutions Committee and the Office of Public Integrity Prosecutions for the prosecution of offenses against public administration, including ethics offenses, offenses involving insurance fraud, and offenses involving motor fuels tax and to the appointment of committee members and the appointment and compensation of the prosecutor.