Taylor A. Rockett - District Attorney, District 36, Seat 1

Full Name: Taylor A. Rockett

Age: 35

Education:

Graduate of East Burke High School

Graduate of University of NC at Charlotte – Major in Political Science and Minor in Criminal Justice

Graduate of University of South Carolina School of Law – Juris Doctorate

Current Employer and Job Title:

Assistant District Attorney in the 36th Prosecutorial District — assigned to Catawba County

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

I’ve lived in Burke County my entire life — with the exception of college and law school. I also have family property in Collettsville, and have spent much of my life there.

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

1- Prosecute repeat offenders and reduce the “revolving door” of continued criminal activity by the same individuals. We will indict and prosecute individuals who qualify as “habitual felons”, as such. Second chances may be appropriate, but 14th and 15th chances are unacceptable, and pose a danger to our community.

2- Work to repair the broken relationship between the DA’s office and law enforcement, as well as between the DA’s office and the community at large. For the justice system to work properly, we as society must trust and believe in it. The single most important job of the District Attorney is to make the right decision under the law in all circumstances that will best protect the community he/she serves. Prioritizing that duty will better the relationship with law enforcement and will help rebuild public trust in both the Office of the District Attorney and in the justice system as a whole.

3- Establish a renewed focus on the possession, distribution, and abuse of illegal drugs. It is estimated that over 80% of offenders abuse drugs and/or alcohol. We could drastically reduce crime in our community by prioritizing the prosecution of drug crime. By removing the product from the street and prosecuting distributors, we can help slow the spread of drug abuse and begin to treat and heal those who are addicted to controlled substances.

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

The statutory purpose of an elected District Attorney is to prosecute violations of the laws of the State of North Carolina. As DA — the prosecution of criminal conduct will always be my number one priority. My office will thoroughly review each investigation turned over to us by law enforcement, and make a charging decision based on law, fairness, and integrity. Crime in our district will be addressed swiftly, decisively, and with consistency. The DA’s job is not to judge the offender, but to protect the community from the offender’s illegal conduct. We will work more closely with law enforcement to ensure that we are operating in unison and working with, not against, each other. Gone are the days of mass reductions and criminal charges — our community, my home, deserves better.

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

While the District Attorney’s main job is to prosecute criminal activity, taking steps and implementing programs to prevent criminal activity is also a priority. A District Attorney must balance victims’ rights, a duty to prosecute crimes, and a need to help prevent crime. As the only prosecutor currently working in Veterans Treatment Court in all of Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba counties I am well trained in the function, implementation, and operation of treatment courts. I was also the first prosecutor assigned to the current Drug Treatment Court in Burke County. These courts are uniquely designed to better address the substance use and mental health challenges that ordinary criminal courts often overlook. As a District Attorney, I will work closely with law enforcement, treatment providers, medical providers, NC Probation and Parole, and judges to continue the treatment courts that I have already been heavily involved with, in an effort to continue the progress we have already begun.

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

As an Assistant District Attorney, my boss sends me to whichever courtroom needs me, and he expects me to have the knowledge, experience, and ability to handle the docket of cases effectively. During my time as an Assistant District Attorney, I have been assigned to run every single criminal court in operation in Burke and Catawba, with the exception of the newly created juvenile recovery court. I have been assigned to District Court, Superior Court, Juvenile Court, Drug Treatment Court, Veterans’ Treatment Court, and Infractions court in both counties. I could walk into any criminal courtroom in operation in Burke or Caldwell County tomorrow and be able to manage the courtroom and prosecute cases on the docket. I have tried more cases than I can count, including jury trials and bench trials. I have also gone to other counties to prosecute conflict cases. During my time in South Carolina, I handled cases in the South Carolina Court of General sessions. I have tried cases ranging from serious violent felonies to speeding tickets.