Rahsaan Hall is running for Plymouth County District Attorney to restore accountability and public trust to the office. His candidacy calls for a better system of justice that will treat all victims with dignity and respect, carry out the duties of the office with transparency, reduce disparities in the criminal legal system and engage our communities.Rahsaan Hall has made a lifelong commitment to changing the lives of people who have been harmed and have experienced loss in the criminal legal system. A champion for civil rights, former Assistant District Attorney (ADA) and ordained reverend, Rahsaan has been at the forefront of local and national issues that call for reimagining a public safety system that prioritizes restoration, transformation, and healing for people who have experienced harm and accountability for people who have caused harm.
I will work closely and compassionately with victims and survivors of violent crime so that they are treated with dignity and respect. I will recognize the lived realities of victims and see them as more than a witness in a case.
I will hold myself, staff and law enforcement partners accountable to the residents of Plymouth County, to perform our duties at the highest standard, with integrity, and courtesy to all. I will also hold those who have caused harm accountable in a fair and reasonable manner, and make sure that the public is fully aware of the office’s policies and practices, to restore public trust in the office.
I will ensure the racial disparities that exist in society are not made worse by our office. I will advocate for initiatives that help reduce disparities in the criminal legal system and in our communities.
I will identify less punitive and more restorative and transformative means of dealing with individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. I will manage and allocate resources of the office by investing in community-based alternatives and programs that increase positive outcomes for the community.
I will work with our partners and neighbors in support of initiatives that educate Plymouth County residents about the role and impact of the District Attorney’s office. I will ensure community access in order to inform the office’s priorities and approaches to public safety.
Investigate and prevent misconduct within the office and throughout the criminal legal system.
Reduce gender-based violence by focusing on who needs help and services, not just who can be punished.
Center a child’s best interests when engaging juveniles.
Provide guidance and resources to victims of all crimes.
Be a strong advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Make sure LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people can effectively engage with the DA’s Office.
Protect the right to vote.
Oppose all abortion bans.
Reduce the use of cash bail through clear guidelines and case-by-case consideration.
Identify certain low-level offenses that the DA's office would generally decline to prosecute when they do not present a threat to public safety.
Outline clear institutional plans for diversion and harm reduction.
Engage in reform through a lens of restorative justice.
Have an open dialogue with the public and with District Attorney staff on how to reduce racial disparities within the office.
Adopt clear rules, guidance, and best practices on racial justice to help DA office staff reduce disparities.
Give fair and consistent sentencing recommendations.
Consult experts to develop evidence-based practices that reduce racial disparities in prosecution.