Gaston County District Attorney’s Office
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state of North Carolina. The office is led by District Attorney Locke Bell, who is elected to a four-year term by the voters of Gaston County.
The District Attorney’s Office has a staff of approximately 20 attorneys, who are responsible for investigating and prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The office also provides legal advice to law enforcement agencies and other county officials.
History
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office was established in 1911. The first District Attorney was John H. Small, who served from 1911 to 1914. The office has been led by a succession of elected District Attorneys since then.
Under the leadership of District Attorney Locke Bell, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office has achieved a number of notable accomplishments, including:
- Convicting a man of first-degree murder in the death of his wife.
- Securing a guilty plea from a man who was charged with child molestation.
- Obtaining a conviction in a high-profile drug trafficking case.
Current District Attorney
Alan Martin has served as the Gaston County District Attorney since 2019. He brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, having previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Gaston County and as a prosecutor in the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office.
Martin earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Gaston County Bar Association.
As District Attorney, Martin has made several key initiatives a priority, including:
- Reducing violent crime and gun violence
- Improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system
- Providing support for victims of crime
- Working with law enforcement to enhance public safety
Martin believes that the District Attorney’s Office should be a voice for the victims of crime and that the office should work to ensure that justice is served. He is committed to working with law enforcement and the community to make Gaston County a safer place for everyone.
Prosecution of Major Crimes
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting a wide range of major crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. The office has a team of experienced prosecutors who are dedicated to seeking justice for victims of crime and holding criminals accountable for their actions.
Notable Cases
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office has successfully prosecuted numerous high-profile cases, including the murder of a young woman in 2018. In that case, the office secured a conviction against the defendant and obtained a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Plea Bargaining and Sentencing
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office is committed to a fair and just approach to plea bargaining and sentencing. The office considers a variety of factors when making decisions about plea agreements, including the severity of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and the evidence against the defendant. The office also takes into account the wishes of the victim and their family.
Victim and Witness Services
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office is committed to providing comprehensive services to victims and witnesses involved in criminal cases. We recognize the trauma and stress that victims and witnesses may experience, and our goal is to ensure their safety, protection, and support throughout the criminal justice process.
Our office offers a range of services to meet the specific needs of victims and witnesses, including:
Victim Assistance
- Crisis intervention and support
- Case management and advocacy
- Referrals to community resources
- Safety planning and protection
- Court accompaniment and support
Witness Support
- Preparation for trial
- Protection and security
- Financial assistance
- Counseling and support
- Witness relocation
We also work closely with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure the safety and protection of victims and witnesses. We believe that by providing comprehensive services and support, we can empower victims and witnesses to navigate the criminal justice system and seek justice for the crimes they have endured.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office actively engages with the community to promote crime prevention, enhance public safety, and foster trust between law enforcement and residents. Through various programs and initiatives, the office strives to build partnerships and empower the community to play a proactive role in shaping their neighborhoods.
One notable initiative is the Community Prosecutor Program, which assigns prosecutors to specific geographic areas within the county. These prosecutors are responsible for developing relationships with local residents, businesses, and community organizations. They attend neighborhood meetings, participate in community events, and engage in dialogue with community members to identify concerns and develop strategies to address them.
School-Based Programs
The office also recognizes the importance of educating youth about the law and crime prevention. Through partnerships with local schools, prosecutors conduct presentations and workshops on topics such as cyberbullying, drug abuse, and the consequences of criminal behavior. These programs aim to empower students with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and avoid involvement in criminal activities.
Victim and Witness Support
In addition to community outreach, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office provides comprehensive support to victims and witnesses of crime. The Victim Services Unit offers a range of services, including emotional support, case management, and assistance with navigating the legal process. The office also works closely with community organizations to provide resources and support to victims and their families.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office faces several challenges in fulfilling its mission of prosecuting crimes and protecting the rights of victims. One significant challenge is the increasing complexity of criminal cases, which require specialized knowledge and resources to handle effectively.
Despite these challenges, the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to its mission and is actively exploring opportunities for improvement. One area of focus is enhancing collaboration with law enforcement agencies to improve information sharing and coordination.
Community Engagement
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the importance of community engagement in preventing crime and building trust. The office actively participates in community outreach programs, such as school visits and neighborhood watch meetings, to educate the public about crime prevention and the role of the district attorney’s office.
