A major criminal justice reform called Iryna’s Law is now fully in effect across North Carolina today.
The legislation was signed by Governor Josh Stein in October following months of public pressure and outrage.
It arrives less than three months after Iryna Zarutska was tragically killed on a Charlotte light rail train.
Supporters say the law will help keep violent offenders locked up longer and protect vulnerable victims better.
Local leaders say measuring its full impact on day one is difficult because the system must adjust.
But both legal experts agree the changes were overdue and desperately needed within the state’s court process.
from Iryna Zarutska/Instagram
Mecklenburg County District Attorney Spencer Merriweather says he feels hopeful about real improvements for victims of crime.
“What gives me hope is not what happens within this building,” Merriweather said during his interview.
“But really what we can now do for victims of crime with these new tools available.”
He hopes the updated rules will also help reduce the large backlog of criminal cases still waiting.
The law funds ten additional prosecutors for his office to speed up the slow-moving justice process.
Merriweather says people expect quick action because they watch crime solved fast on television every night.
“When they hear about cases resolved quickly nationwide,” he said confidently.
“They wonder why that doesn’t happen here in our own community.”
New bond rules mean violent offenders stay behind bars longer
A major change focuses on how bonds are handled for suspects charged with violent criminal offenses in North Carolina.
WCNC/Charlotte Area Transit System
Magistrates now have less authority to release dangerous individuals who are accused of serious violent acts.
“A number of far more violent crimes are now included under secure bond requirements,” Merriweather explained clearly.
Judges must either set a secure bond or require strict electronic monitoring to ensure accountability.
Former magistrate Dr. Kerry Shipman believes this reduces pressure on magistrates making stressful late-night decisions.
He says district judges will now have more time to carefully review paperwork and criminal backgrounds.
“Allowing a person to sit and wait for a district court judge, that would be helpful,” Shipman said.
He warns unsecured bonds can hurt poor people unable to afford release or immediate legal help.
“But repeat offenders, frequent flyers in the jail system,” he continued seriously.
“It helps with that aspect because consequences become far stronger and clearer.”
Both men were asked if this new law will genuinely make communities safer overall.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
Shipman says he remains uncertain but still believes improvement is absolutely necessary moving forward soon.
“I’m not sure how it will work out,” he said honestly.
“But taking a step forward is important and it’s very much needed.”
Merriweather says the public expects safety and accountability from their elected legal officials every year.
“There are elements of this law in line with public expectations around crime prevention,” he said.
“It’s my job as an elected official to make it work effectively and responsibly.”
His team is already hiring staff to fill the ten new prosecutor positions funded statewide.
Featured image credit: Iryna Zarutska/Instagram & Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office
