Fulton County Superior Court candidates on crime
ATLANTA - Candidates for Judge in Fulton County Superior Court address how they would tackle the problem of repeat offenders committing crimes throughout Fulton County.
Dozens of residents heard the candidates Tuesday night at a forum at the Trolley Barn in Inman Park, a week before the May 24 election.
Residents name car break-ins, tire thefts, and smash-and-grab burglaries in stores as common problems around multiple jurisdictions in Fulton County.
"People want that feeling of safety without being attacked," said one resident who lives in Poncey-Highland, who said they want to end the problem of pedestrian robberies.
Atlanta Police and the Fulton County District Attorney often cite minimal jail time and sentencing for repeat offenders as the reason criminals, many behind non-violent crimes, as the reason they return to the streets.
While several candidates criticized the political finger-pointing by law enforcement and the D.A.'s office, others name solutions from stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, to helping criminals with drug and alcohol-related issues to get appropriate services through the judicial system.
The eight candidates for the three open positions are below: