Aurora, Colorado, is facing a political reckoning as a growing number of residents push to recall Arapahoe County District Attorney Amy Padden over her approach to criminal justice. Councilwoman and activist Danielle Jurinsky, a vocal critic of Padden’s policies, has led the effort to challenge what she calls insufficient or overly lenient sentencing decisions. The recall campaign, which has gained momentum, centers on a series of high-profile cases where Padden’s office has dismissed charges or imposed probation rather than pursuing harsher penalties. Jurinsky insists that these decisions reflect a broader pattern of what she terms ‘soft-on-crime’ policies.
Jurinsky’s campaign highlights the case of Solomon Galligan, a registered sex offender who faced charges for allegedly attempting to kidnap a child on video at an elementary school. Padden’s office dismissed the charges, citing that Galligan was deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. Jurinsky, however, has accused DA’s office of seeking legal loopholes to avoid holding the defendant accountable. She alleged that Galligan’s mental health history showed a pattern of documented issues, and that Padden’s decision to dismiss charges was motivated by an effort to avoid a lengthy or controversial legal process.
The recall effort also cites the case of a 15-year-old illegal immigrant who caused a fatal car crash, killing 24-year-old Aurora resident Kaitlyn Weaver. Jurinsky claims that instead of charging the teen with vehicular homicide, Padden’s office opted for a plea deal that resulted in probation rather than a prison sentence. She argues this was a dereliction of duty, noting that the teen’s actions led to a tragedy and that he did not show remorse or accountability for his crime. The DA’s office, however, defended the decision, stating that vehicular homicide charges carry less legal severity than murder and that the plea deal was appropriate given the circumstances.
Jurinsky, a military veteran, local business owner, and Aurora City Council member, has pledged to organize signature-gathering efforts ahead of a June 15 deadline for the recall petition. The campaign requires 75,000 signatures from residents of Arapahoe County to proceed. Padden, however, has not commented on the recall, stating that the process is in place and that she is prepared to continue her work as DA if the petition fails. The recall campaign, which has already drawn attention from national media, reflects an ongoing debate over the role of prosecutors in shaping public safety policies and the balance between criminal justice and rehabilitation.
Additionally, the recall has drawn attention to the broader political divide over crime policy in Colorado, where some conservatives have criticized the state’s progressive approach to criminal justice. Padden, as a progressive DA, aims to implement policies that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment, a stance that has garnered support from some while drawing criticism from others who argue that it undermines public safety. The recall movement, meanwhile, represents an effort to shift the direction of criminal justice policy in Aurora, particularly as the city continues to face challenges related to crime, gang activity, and community safety.