Name: Jonathan Wilson
Age: 42
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: www.wilsonfordurham.com
Occupation and employer: Attorney, J Wilson Law PLLC
1. What do you believe are the most important issues facing the District Attorney’s Office? What are your top three priorities in addressing these issues?
One of the most important issues facing the District Attorney’s Office is addressing violent crime—specifically the rise in juvenile violent offenses—while ensuring that residents feel safe and supported in their communities. In addressing violent crime, the District Attorney’s Office must balance fairness and equity with its responsibility to protect the safety and security of Durham’s residents.
The second most important issue is the lack of communication between the public and the District Attorney’s Office. If elected, I will ensure that my staff and I are consistently available in our office to the public and all parties seeking assistance. There have been too many complaints about the current District Attorney’s lack of availability and poor communication with victims. It is critical that office hours are strictly followed, guaranteeing that the District Attorney is present and available to respond to all inquiries received during those times.
To meet this challenge, I would make prosecutors more accessible and visible within the community and prioritize proactive outreach in neighborhoods most impacted by violence. Building trust through presence, communication, and partnership is essential to improving safety while advancing justice for all.
My top three priorities in addressing the issues of violent crime are collaborating with law enforcement, community members and organizations, building a presence inside the courthouse and in the community, and restoring trust in Durham County’s justice system.
2. What in your record as a public official or other experience demonstrates your ability to be an effective district attorney? This might include career or community service; be specific about its relevance to this office.
I have nearly sixteen years of legal experience, primarily in criminal defense. My practice has included representing individuals charged with offenses ranging from minor traffic violations and drug cases to the most serious violent felonies, including murder. I have also represented victims seeking restraining and protective orders in domestic violence cases. A significant portion of my work has focused on advocating for juveniles, ensuring their rights are protected and that they receive fair representation. This broad experience has allowed me to listen to, understand, and respond to the needs of the Durham community as a whole.
My life has been dedicated to public service. During college, I was very active in Boy Scouts of America Troop 29, a local troop that served young boys in high-risk areas in Greensboro, North Carolina. Furthermore, I have coached basketball, soccer, and softball with Orange County Special Olympics and North Carolina Special Olympics for 19 years. This includes coaching Team North Carolina’s basketball team in the US Special Olympic Games, where my team won the gold medal.
I believe the District Attorney is a servant of Durham County, with a responsibility to the community that aligns directly with my lifelong commitment to service.
3. If you are challenging an incumbent, what decisions has the incumbent made that you most disagree with? If you are an incumbent, what in your record and experience do you believe entitles you to another term?
One of the incumbent’s decisions that I disagree with most is the removal of the District Attorney’s name from truancy letters. Under the current administration, absenteeism in Durham Public Schools has nearly doubled, rising from 19% in 2019 to 37% in 2024. Unfortunately, this spike in truancy directly correlates with more juvenile crime.
As a challenger for this office, I believe we must restore accountability to address these rising rates and improve outcomes for our youth and community.
4. Shootings are down in Durham, but gun violence—particularly among young people—remains a concern. What do you believe the DA’s Office’s role is in reducing violence, including juvenile crimes? If you’re an incumbent, how have you worked to achieve that? If you’re a challenger, what would you do if elected?
In my current practice, I have witnessed a concerning increase in juveniles charged with violent crimes, ranging from robbery with a dangerous weapon to first-degree murder. The common denominators in these cases are chronic truancy, a lack of mental health treatment, and substance abuse.
If elected, I plan to connect juveniles and their families with programs such as Project BUILD, the PROUD program, Parents of Adolescents, and GRACED. These initiatives are designed to provide essential services for youth struggling with mental health challenges or drug addiction while offering the support necessary to improve school attendance.
Additionally, I will advocate before the Durham County Board of Commissioners to request increased funding for programs associated with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
5. What kinds of diversion programs do you support using in the DA’s Office? What kinds of cases do you believe should be exempted from diversion programs?
I support our current diversion programs, which includes the Misdemeanor Diversion Program and various post-arrest initiatives. These programs are vital to our justice system, as they offer individuals without prior records the opportunity to maintain a clean criminal history.
Most importantly, I believe that violent crimes, specifically those involving the use of a firearm, should be exempted from such programs.
6. The recently passed Iryna’s Law eliminates the option for judges to release people pretrial with only a written promise to appear in court and requires that they set secured bonds for defendants charged with violent offenses or with more than two prior convictions. Do you support these changes? Why or why not?
When considering bond recommendations, it is essential for the District Attorney to balance community safety with the pursuit of a fair and just bond. This role requires weighing several factors, including the safety of the community, the defendant’s history of failure to appear (FTA), and the specific facts of the case.
While I understand and appreciate mandatory secured bonds for defendants charged with violent crimes, I do not agree with setting a mandatory bond for a defendant based solely on two prior convictions. Such a policy eliminates the opportunity for an appropriate evaluation of the case before a bond is set.
7. No one on North Carolina’s death row has been executed since 2006. Provisions of Iryna’s Law open the door for executions to resume. In what circumstances, if any, do you support using the death penalty? In what circumstances do you support life sentences and de facto life sentences?
I am a staunch advocate against the death penalty and believe it should not exist. I am also not in favor of life sentences or de facto life sentences. However, based on current law, certain crimes such as murder and specific sexual assaults can result in de facto life sentences.
In these cases, when negotiating plea offers, it is essential to balance what is fair and just for all parties involved. It is important to note that if a case goes to trial and the defendant is convicted, sentencing is no longer in the hands of the District Attorney but is instead determined by the trial judge.
8. Prosecutors routinely make decisions about which cases to pursue, especially with offices across the state understaffed. What kinds of cases would you prioritize for prosecution? Which would you deprioritize? Please explain your answer.
If elected to Durham County District Attorney, I would prioritize Violent crimes, firearm offenses, crimes against children, and any crimes which violate the sanctity of the home, such as burglary or breaking and entering. These cases will be expedited and aggressively prosecuted under my leadership.
I will continue the policy of declining to prosecute certain petty offenses, such as simple possession and avoid overcharging or seeking unnecessary bail for minor offenses. These policies will reduce unnecessary police involvement in lower income areas and communities of color, while freeing up critical prosecutorial resources to focus on violent crime and serious felonies.
9. How should the DA’s Office take immigration status into consideration?
Throughout my practice, I have always fought for those who are undocumented and subject to immigration consequences. As an intern at the Wake County Public Defender’s Office and later in my private practice, I often sat in court with my undocumented clients while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) waited outside to take them away. I will never forget how frustrated and powerless that made me feel. It seemed to me that their humanity and the interests of their families weren’t taken into consideration. If elected, I would make sure HB 318 is applied equitably. I would make sure my staff is aware of who is in custody and work closely with the sheriff to make certain that individuals eligible for release are not unnecessarily detained.
10. As DA, how have you dealt with fatal use of force by law enforcement? If you are a challenger, how well do you think the incumbent DA has dealt with use of force by local law enforcement officers?
I believe the incumbent District Attorney has done a commendable job evaluating the use of fatal force by law enforcement. While this is a very difficult position to be in, it is essential to examine and evaluate all facts and circumstances surrounding each case.
11. The state legislature determines how many prosecutor positions it will fund in each DA’s Office. Durham has not received new state-allotted prosecutor positions in two decades. How do you propose closing cases more efficiently given the shortage of staff? How would you advocate for more resources for the DA’s Office?
If elected, I intend to implement strategic staffing changes and leverage my extensive experience in criminal law to manage a caseload, ensuring our current staff is not overwhelmed. I will also conduct a comprehensive review of all aging cases to identify paths toward prompt disposition.
To secure necessary resources, I will prioritize advocating for additional support from the NC General Assembly and requesting increased funding from the County Commissioners. Furthermore, I will actively pursue all available grant opportunities to support our office.
12. Give an example of an opinion, policy, vote, or action you changed based on constituent feedback. If you have not yet held elected office, describe a time when you changed your position on an issue after listening to those affected by it.
I typically prefer to refrain from taking a position until I have had the opportunity to hear both sides of an argument. I believe it is important to give due deference to all perspectives before making a final decision.
13. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address?
I have spent my entire practice advocating for those who are marginalized and whose rights have been violated. I have a deep love and passion for the people of Durham County, and I believe our community deserves a District Attorney who shares that commitment and is willing to fight for justice and equality. Durham deserves a District Attorney who is present in both the courtroom and the community. One who will collaborate with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure everyone feels safe. My goal is to rebuild the trust between the District Attorney’s Office and the community. This trust has been lost over the years. Durham deserves better, and that is why I am running for District Attorney.