SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy on Thursday came out in favor of a new attempt by lawmakers to reform the bail system and make it tougher on criminal offenders.
Rep. John Gillespie, a Shelby County Republican, announced this week he will be proposing two bills when the Legislative Assembly returns next month.
One would make juvenile records accessible when setting bail. Mulroy said he has long been an advocate for this.
“I understand why we need to have juvenile court records sealed for most purposes. I don't want it following around for the rest of their lives when they're trying to get a job or an apartment or a loan,” he said. “But I do think that it's important for an adult court judge to know if there has been a significant criminal record when the person was under 18 when they're setting the bail.”
The other proposal would make it so any defendant charged with a crime involving the use or display of firearms can not be released on their own recognizance.
“I'm in favor in principle, I need to see the details. I think it depends on how you define a serious firearm offense. There's a difference between merely brandishing a gun and actually firing a gun at somebody,” Mulroy said.
The District Attorney concedes the bail system needs some changes, and he supports what can make Memphians safer.
“There have been a couple of high profile cases recently where our office actually appealed the decision of the judge because we were concerned about that and we'll continue to do that. I just think it's a matter of striking a balance,” he said.
The Tennessee Legislative Assembly will return on Jan. 14. From there, those proposals can start to become law.