North Carolina’s “Iryna Law” Aims to Increase Bail for Violent Crimes

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein officially enacted the “Iryna Law” on Friday. This legislation raises bail amounts for certain offenders and prohibits cashless bail for those committing violent crimes, a change prompted by the tragic deaths of Ukrainian evacuees in an incident on Charlotte’s light rail in August.

Stein, a Democrat, expressed mixed feelings about various aspects of the law, particularly since it emerged from a Republican-led state legislature pushing to reinstate capital punishment in North Carolina. Still, he believes it’s crucial to take special precautions regarding individuals who may pose an extraordinary threat before they act violently.

One of the victims, Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old woman, lost her life on August 22. The accused, DeCarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., has a reported history of over a dozen arrests, including armed robbery. He previously served five years in prison and was released in January on a lesser charge before being arrested for first-degree murder.

Tricia Kosam, a Republican state legislator from Charlotte, hailed the new law, asserting that it helps protect families like that of Zarutska by keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.

Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have pointed fingers at Democrats for allegedly being lenient on crime, particularly in relation to Zarutska’s death. Trump remarked, “The blood of this innocent woman is on the hands of Democrats who refuse to lock up violent offenders.”

Public outcry intensified after footage of the assault was made available, heightening calls for measures to ensure safety. Stein remarked, “We need to do more to keep people safe,” reinforcing the idea that any legislation must focus directly on public safety.

In his remarks, Stein mentioned that the “Iryna Law” urges judges to pay careful attention to those who may present an abnormal risk before deciding on bail conditions. While he signed the law, he also noted criticisms that it emphasizes the capability of individuals to secure bail rather than evaluating the potential threat they may pose.

Additionally, Stein expressed concern over a last-minute amendment that sought to reintroduce firing squads as a method of execution in the state, which he firmly opposes.

He criticized the bill for its lack of a comprehensive vision, suggesting that a more ambitious plan involving increased police presence on the streets would be preferable.

The “Iryna Law” specifically forbids cashless bail for a range of violent offenses and most repeat offenders. It places certain limits on the discretion judges have in making bail decisions and allows for mandatory mental health evaluations for some defendants.