Hochman: Tough on Crime, Balanced on Reform in LA County

Hochman: Tough on Crime, Balanced on Reform in LA County \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County’s newly elected district attorney, plans to reverse the policies of his progressive predecessor, George Gascón, focusing on tougher enforcement and balanced reforms. Hochman aims to reinstate gang-related sentencing enhancements, prosecute low-level crimes, and involve prosecutors in parole hearings. While emphasizing proportional consequences for lawbreakers, he also supports alternatives like drug treatment and community service to reduce incarceration rates.

Nathan Hochman’s Justice Policy Quick Looks

• Reversing Gascón’s Policies: Hochman promises to eliminate what he calls “pro-criminal blanket policies.”
• Restoring Prosecution Tools: Plans include reinstating gang-related sentencing enhancements and charging juveniles as adults when appropriate.
• Balanced Reform Approach: Hochman supports community service and treatment programs to address nonviolent crimes.
• Homelessness and Crime: Hochman observes innovative “homeless court” programs to address low-level offenses.
• Focus on Deterrence: Hochman aims to deter crime rather than overcrowd prisons, targeting 2014 crime levels.

Deep Look

Nathan Hochman, the incoming district attorney for Los Angeles County, is taking aim at his predecessor George Gascón’s progressive policies, vowing to restore a tougher approach to law enforcement while maintaining a balanced outlook on criminal justice reform. In his first interview since winning the election, Hochman laid out a comprehensive vision for reversing what he calls the “pro-criminal blanket policies” that he believes have contributed to a culture of lawlessness in LA County.

Reversing Gascón’s Policies

Hochman plans to reinstate tools that were eliminated under Gascón’s tenure, including gang-related sentencing enhancements and the ability to charge juveniles as adults in severe cases. Prosecutors will also resume attending parole hearings to advocate for victims’ families and argue against the release of dangerous offenders.

Hochman criticized Gascón’s refusal to prosecute certain low-level crimes, such as criminal threats, trespassing, and loitering. He views these offenses as significant contributors to the public’s sense of lawlessness and pledges to bring accountability to such cases.

“Anyone who breaks the law will receive proportional consequences—no more ‘get out of jail free’ cards,” Hochman said.

Balanced Justice and Reform

While committing to stricter enforcement, Hochman also emphasized his support for criminal justice reform. He advocates for alternative solutions such as court-mandated drug treatment, community service, and restitution for nonviolent offenders.

“This is my message to people who believe in criminal justice reform: I believe in it as well,” Hochman said. “The difference between myself and my predecessor is it won’t be a bunch of talk.”

Hochman stressed that his goal is deterrence, not mass incarceration. “The ultimate aim is to deter crime, not overcrowd prisons. When we reach that balance, we’ll have an effective justice system,” he added.

Response to Rising Crime

Hochman’s election reflects growing frustration among voters over Gascón’s policies, which many critics blame for rising crime rates, including smash-and-grab retail thefts and a worsening drug epidemic. Viral videos of organized thefts and public disorder have heightened perceptions of lawlessness, driving voters to demand change.

Hochman’s campaign focused on restoring accountability and safety to LA County. He cited 2014 as a benchmark for success, describing it as the region’s safest year in the past five decades.

“I don’t predict thousands of people going to prison,” Hochman said. “Instead, I want to create a system where the fear of real consequences deters people from committing crimes in the first place.”

Progressive Policies and Pushback

Gascón, who was elected in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter movement, brought a wave of progressive reforms to the district attorney’s office. These included ending cash bail, barring juvenile prosecutions in adult court, and eliminating sentencing enhancements. While hailed by reform advocates, these policies drew criticism for being too lenient.

One of Gascón’s most controversial decisions involved the Menendez brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989. He recently sought to resentence them, arguing that societal views on familial abuse have evolved. Hochman, who could influence the case, declined to comment, citing the need to review confidential documents.

In his concession statement, Gascón defended his tenure, saying, “I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past four years and grateful to the communities who have been and will always be the heart of criminal justice reform.”

A New Approach to Homelessness and Low-Level Crime

Hochman’s approach to addressing crime also includes tackling issues surrounding homelessness. He recently observed a “homeless court” program in Hermosa Beach, which offers homeless individuals the chance to avoid prosecution for nonviolent misdemeanors in exchange for accepting services like substance abuse treatment and housing placement.

“I thought it was a really innovative way to deal with low-level homeless crime and get individuals the help they need to avoid reoffending,” Hochman said.

Programs like homeless court reflect Hochman’s commitment to balancing accountability with compassion, addressing root causes of crime while enforcing the law.

Proposition 36 and New Legal Tools

Hochman’s office will also have new tools to combat repeat offenders. Voters recently passed Proposition 36, allowing prosecutors to elevate shoplifting and drug possession to felonies after a third offense. While Hochman has not committed to reviewing current misdemeanor cases for potential upgrades, he underscored the importance of deterrence over punishment.

“The goal is not to fill prisons but to prevent crimes from happening in the first place,” he said.

Transitioning into Office

With just over two weeks until his swearing-in, Hochman is preparing to lead a department of more than 700 prosecutors in the nation’s most populous county. His plans signal a stark departure from his predecessor’s policies, focusing on restoring public trust and ensuring proportional justice.

Hochman’s vision is clear: stricter enforcement where necessary, balanced with innovative programs to address societal challenges. As he takes office, the direction of Los Angeles County’s criminal justice system is set to shift significantly, reflecting voter dissatisfaction with progressive policies and a renewed focus on public safety.

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