As a State Representative for Fulton County, Georgia, I am disheartened and concerned by the multitude of issues plaguing our criminal justice system. Chief among these are numerous instances of misconduct within the criminal justice system which I have been made privy to through constituent inquiries and reports from  the ongoing YSL trial. 

Fulton County residents have expressed grave concerns over dilatory trials, withheld bond hearings, and extended periods of incarceration in unsanitary, unsafe conditions without the chance for a fair trial. Such conditions not only violate basic human rights, but they also infringe upon the principles of justice our legal system is built upon. These alarming reports are symptomatic of a larger issue - the administration of justice itself.

Tainted by a secret judicial ex-parte meeting, judicial tips given to prosecutors during trial, and a host of other dubiously unethical practices, problems are further compounded when we have witnesses who are unable to read and investigators and deputies  are reportedly having inappropriate relationships with witnesses. Such situations endanger the integrity of investigations and trials, thus, threatening the very essence of the law's fairness.

We hold it true that every individual, irrespective of their circumstances, deserves their right to just treatment under the law. It is time to bring to light the compromises made on these rights within the Fulton County Criminal Justice System. We must act collectively to demand deeper scrutiny and immediate reforms aimed at addressing these apparent corruption issues. We urge everyone to raise their voice in support of justice. Please sign this petition and stand against corruption and misconduct in our justice system.

Specifically, your signature is a pledge to support human rights in the criminal justice system.  Together, we are demanding a comprehensive audit of individuals currently detained in any Fulton County Jail who meet the following criteria:

• Individuals who have been detained without a bond hearing for over 48 or 72 hours following their arrest, in potential violation of O.C.G.A. § 17-4-62 and O.C.G.A. § 17-4-26.
• Individuals who have been unable to post bond for over 30 days for noncapital offenses or misdemeanors, without having received an arraignment or plea hearing, as required by O.C.G.A. § 17-7-91.
• Individuals who have been incarcerated for more than 90 days without an indictment, potentially contravening O.C.G.A. § 17-7-50.
• Individuals who have been indicted but have not had a trial commence within a “reasonable” timeframe, not exceeding 120 days, as stipulated by the Georgia Uniform Rules of Superior Court.
• Individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities as defined by the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure their federal rights are not being compromised under Title II Regulations

Additionally, the Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis, should formally implement and disseminate written guidelines to all current and future defendants under her jurisdiction, ensuring that these individuals are provided with clear and accessible explanations of their constitutional rights while being prosecuted by her office, including:

1. The right to demand a speedy trial pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 17-7-170.
2. The right to petition for bond as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 17-6-1(d) and O.C.G.A. § 17-6-15(b)(1).
3. The right to submit complaints related to the Fulton County District Attorney's office to the Georgia Prosecutor Oversight Commission, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-18-32.