Mitch Walker - District Attorney, District 36, Seat 1

Full name: Mitch Walker

Age: 49

Education: Appalachian State University — Bachelor of Science

North Carolina Central University School of Law — J.D.

Current employer and job title: State of North Carolina; Chief Assistant District Attorney for Burke and Caldwell counties

How long have you lived in the district you want to serve?

I’ve lived in this district for four years. I’ve worked and served in this district for over 16 years.

What are your top three priorities you want to address if elected:

Prosecuting violent criminals and repeat offenders.

Permanently implement Narcotics Prosecution Task Force.

Initiate bringing Veteran’s Treatment Court to Burke and Caldwell counties.

How will your priorities affect how crime is handled in the district?

As District Attorney, my office will prioritize prosecuting violent criminals and repeat offenders to help keep our communities safe. We’ll continue to work closely with law enforcement to build solid cases and pursue tough sentences for these offenders. Protecting our communities is our top priority.

Permanently implementing a Narcotics Prosecution Task Force will continue to enhance a strong, focused partnership with law enforcement addressing narcotics distribution that, in its trial phase, has yielded never-before-seen conviction and sentencing results in Burke and Caldwell counties. Narcotics focused prosecution is important for our district, because this unit plays an integral role in addressing fentanyl and other narcotics distribution in our area.

Bringing Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) to Burke and Caldwell counties will provide a court venue that holds eligible veterans who are charged with non-violent crimes accountable while addressing service related trauma and substance abuse issues.

What role, if any, should the district attorney play in addressing root causes of crime, such as substance abuse and mental health challenges?

The District Attorney plays a limited role in addressing substance abuse and mental health as root causes of crime. District Attorneys are not trained public health professionals; however, for non-violent offenders who engage in substance abuse or have mental health challenges, the District Attorney, on a case-by-case basis, plays a role in deciding charges, utilizing specialized treatment courts, working with law enforcement, and/or treatment providers to help address these issues. A District Attorney’s responsibility is to hold these non-violent offenders accountable and to reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Ultimately, for a District Attorney, it’s about using a smart and effective evidence based approach to address these issues on a case-by-case basis to support accountability and community safety.

Can you discuss your legal background, particularly regarding presenting cases before a jury and other in-court proceedings?

Over the last 16 years, I have extensive experience presenting cases to juries, including conducting multiple jury trials in both Burke and Caldwell counties. I’ve prosecuted every level of felony in Superior Court across these two counties. In addition to years of Superior Court jury trial experience, I’ve worked extensively in every aspect of Burke and Caldwell County District Courts. Not only have I prosecuted cases in every type of criminal court in these counties, but as Chief Assistant District Attorney, I supervise Assistant District Attorneys who prosecute cases in these courts. Extensive jury trial experience is essential for an effective District Attorney, because important decisions on cases are made with a jury’s likely response in mind. Additionally, Assistant District Attorneys rely on the District Attorney for guidance on case strategy, trial strategy, potential defenses, and procedure. Substantial jury trial experience is crucial to being an effective District Attorney.