DOJ Investigates Hennepin County Attorney’s Race-Based Plea Policy

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office over a new internal policy that instructs prosecutors to consider race as a factor in plea negotiations and sentencing. The policy, outlined in a recently issued memo, directs prosecutors to include a defendant’s racial identity and age as part of the overall analysis in resolving cases, aiming to address racial disparities in sentencing. However, federal officials are examining whether this approach constitutes illegal racial discrimination and violates constitutional rights. The investigation, led by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, will determine if the office has established a pattern or practice of depriving individuals of rights protected by federal law. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has stated it will cooperate fully with the federal inquiry.