Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans marked the first 100 days in office by outlining efforts to address a backlog of more than 5,000 criminal cases, improve public safety outcomes and expand protections for workers and vulnerable communities.
Evans, who took office in January, said the work so far has focused on strengthening accountability in the criminal justice system while ensuring city resources are used to better serve Seattle residents.
“Since I took office in January, my team has focused on making our communities safer, pushing back in the face of federal injustice, and holding accountable those who commit harm,” said Evans. “We are only 100 days in, but we have hit the ground running, and we are just getting started.”
One of the most pressing challenges facing the office was an inherited backlog of more than 5,000 unresolved criminal case referrals. Evans said the office has begun prioritizing cases involving domestic violence, assault and other serious offenses—cases that often have the greatest impact on community safety.
The office is also implementing a “vertical prosecution” model designed to provide more consistency for victims by assigning one prosecutor to handle a case from start to finish.
In addition, Evans supported new state legislation aimed at reducing delays in DUI toxicology testing, which had stretched as long as 22 months. The law, signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, is expected to speed up impaired driving cases and improve accountability on Seattle streets.
Beyond criminal case reforms, the City Attorney’s Office reported securing financial recoveries tied to worker protections and public health, including $2 million for workers in a wage theft case, $600,000 related to opioid harms, and $200,000 from a landlord cited for repeated code violations.
Evans also highlighted the office’s role in pushing back against federal policies, including legal challenges and partnerships with other cities to address actions that affect immigrant communities and civil rights protections.
Internally, the office has made changes aimed at addressing systemic gaps, including creating positions focused on bias crimes and wage theft enforcement, both of which disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
Policy changes during the first 100 days include expanding diversion programs for individuals facing drug-related charges and beginning work on a reimagined Community Court model focused on better outcomes for people involved in low-level, nonviolent offenses.
Evans said the office is also working more closely with King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion to improve coordination on cases involving repeat offenders who have a significant impact on neighborhoods.
For many residents, the long-term impact of these efforts—particularly around case backlogs, public safety and equitable access to justice—will be a key measure of success.
