District Attorney Stephen Zappala and defense attorney Milton Raiford have engaged in a public dispute that’s causing trouble and division in Allegheny County’s legal system.
Raiford, who is Black, started it in a hearing, alleging the DA’s office is systematically racist. Zappala retaliated by telling prosecutors not to make plea offers to Raiford’s clients. Raiford responded by refusing to take part in a client’s hearing this week.
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Zappala has backtracked on the plea deal ban and Raiford apologized for abandoning his client.
They could and should meet, even if it is only to call a ceasefire.
Americans are entitled to a fair and equal system of justice. Allegheny County needs a DA’s office and attorneys that work together in a legal system in which all citizens can have confidence.