Mecklenburg County leaders bracing for impact of Iryna’s Law

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Mecklenburg County officials are outlining how they’ll handle Iryna’s Law, a package of new criminal justice changes.

“We are bracing for Monday, as you do when there’s a hurricane or a tragic storm that is coming.” Elisa Chinn-Gary, Mecklenburg County Clerk of Courts said.

Iryna’s Law kicks in on December 1st. Lawmakers passed it after Iryna Zarutska was murdered on the light rail train in August.

“I believe that the state legislators had a good intention. I believe that when they wrote the law, they were hearing from so many people who were horrified.,” Elaine Powell, Mecklenburg County Commissioner said.

The massive bill addresses several topics. It limits a judge’s power to release offenders accused of violent crimes. The sheriff says that will increase a detention center population that is already near capacity at 85%.

“Stackable bunks is where we have to put people on these bunk beds and their families will call in and say they are sleeping on the floor,” Sheriff Garry McFadden said.

County officials expect officer and magistrate workloads will increase. They believe they’ll see the full impact of the law within the next three months.

“I think by the time we get to the end of February, early March, where we are at that point is probably going to be pretty close to where we’re going to be for the long haul,” Sonya Harper, Director of Criminal Justice Services for Mecklenburg County said.

Iryna’s law adds funding for additional district attorneys, but it does not add funding for anything else.

“We as a community have a very difficult job. We’re going to be we’re forced to make some very difficult choices moving forward with respect to our priorities,” Mark Jerrell, Chair of Mecklenburg County Commissioners said.

The law will also require more people accused of violent crimes to be considered for involuntary mental health treatment if they have a history of mental illness, that part of the law starts December of 2026.