Danny Carr
Danny Darnell Carr (born 1971) is the current Jefferson County District Attorney, heading the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office which prosecutes cases in the 10th Judicial Circuit.
Carr and his brother Jackstin were raised in Ensley by their mother, Regina Carr-Hope, who worked as a probation officer. He attended Councill Elementary School and grew up watching "Perry Mason" in the afternoons. After graduating from Jackson-Olin High School he accepted a basketball scholarship to Alabama State University. He went on to earn his juris doctorate at Miles Law School in 2000 while working as an assistant in Emanuel Washington's probation office.
Carr was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2001 and began working as an assistant in the District Attorney's office under David Barber. That same year his younger brother was kidnapped and murdered in western Jefferson County.
Carr was serving as Deputy District Attorney when District Attorney-elect Todd Henderson was indicted on perjury charges. On January 14, 2017 Carr was assigned as District Attorney pro tem by Judge Joseph Boohaker while that case proceeded. When Henderson was convicted on October 20 of that year, Carr began serving as acting District Attorney pending an appointment by Governor Kay Ivey. Activist Carlos Chaverst launched a petition to ask Ivey to keep Carr in place. She appointed Mike Anderton instead on November 20.
Many encouraged Carr to challenge Anderton in the 2018 general election. He easily defeated attorney Raymond Johnson Jr in the 2018 Democratic primary in June, and won the office in November with 57% of the vote. As chief prosecutor, Carr has balanced empathy for victims of crime and a close adherence to state law with an understanding that alternatives to criminal prosecution and long jail sentences can provide better outcomes for public safety and justice. He has implemented diversion programs for first-time offenders with the support of the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice and the "Instruments of Hope Unity Fund" at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
Carr also works as an educator. He has served as an adjunct professor at Jefferson State Community College, a professor at the Birmingham School of Law, and an instructor at Miles School of Law. He also trains new prosecutors at the National Advocacy Center at the University of South Carolina and conducts trainings sessions for law enforcement officers.
Carr has also served on the boards of the Western Area YMCA, the Maranathan Academy, and Prescott House. He co-founded the D & J Barber & Style salon in Ensley and was formerly a partner in The Vault nightclub.
Preceded by: Brandon Falls |
Jefferson County District Attorney January–November 2017 |
Succeeded by: Mike Anderton |
Preceded by: Mike Anderton |
Jefferson County District Attorney 2018– |
Succeeded by: current |
References
- Johnson, Roy S. (January 22, 2017) "Danny Carr, a son of Ensley, aims to 'do what's right' as Jefferson County DA" The Birmingham News
- Edgemon, Erin (October 21, 2017) "Petition asks Gov. Ivey to appoint Danny Carr Jefferson County District Attorney" The Birmingham News
- Wright, Barnett (June 6, 2018) "Danny Carr wins Dem Primary; will face Mike Anderton, incumbent Republican, for Jeffco DA" The Birmingham Times
- Hrynkiw, Ivana (November 6, 2018) "Danny Carr wins Jefferson County District Attorney race" The Birmingham News
- Wright, Erica (December 27, 2018) "Year in Review: Danny Carr: From Ensley to Jeffco DA" The Birmingham Times
- Robinson, Carol (September 7, 2021) "Jefferson County DA Danny Carr announces prosecution diversion program for young first-time offenders of low-level crimes" The Birmingham News
External links
- About the District Attorney at jeffcoda.org