Brett L. Tolman

Brett Tolman is executive director for Right on Crime and former United States attorney for the District of Utah. Tolman was a leading figure in the drafting and passage of the First Step Act, one of the most sweeping reforms of the federal criminal justice system in decades.

Trump trial shows the ominous evolution of our criminal justice system. Who's next?

OPINION June 6

Trump trial shows the ominous evolution of our criminal justice system. Who's next?

Plenty of prosecutors are as bad as Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, but I blame Judge Juan Merchan, who didn’t just put his thumb on the scale of justice, he sat on it.

Trump Mar-a-Lago case and felony warrant are Exhibit A in political weaponization of our justice system

OPINION May 23

Trump Mar-a-Lago case and felony warrant are Exhibit A in political weaponization of our justice system

The DOJ and FBI should have coordinated with Trump’s attorneys, conducted their search for documents at Mar-a-Lago and avoided the raid.

Biden took credit, but we should thank local cops for cutting crime

OPINION March 11

Biden took credit, but we should thank local cops for cutting crime

Biden's State of the Union claim was that he helped stop crime. But the cities that succeeded with law and order are ones like Detroit and Dallas. Those were local efforts.

How Hunter Biden's treatment by Justice Department dramatically differs from similar gun, corruption cases

OPINION September 19, 2023

How Hunter Biden's treatment by Justice Department dramatically differs from similar gun, corruption cases

What concerns me, a former prosecutor, is watching DOJ muddle through a five-year investigation while staring at overwhelming evidence of corruption and serious criminal conduct.

I'm a former prosecutor. The 'War on Drugs' incentivizes convictions, not justice

OPINION August 8, 2023

I'm a former prosecutor. The 'War on Drugs' incentivizes convictions, not justice

Drug laws are easily manipulated, and low-level players like Alice are sent to prison while higher-level, more dangerous people remain on the streets.

Devon Archer testimony transcript reveals Biden pay-to-play scheme

OPINION August 3, 2023

Devon Archer testimony transcript reveals Biden pay-to-play scheme

Democrats are spinning the testimony of Biden family associate Devon Archer.

Hunter Biden plea deal had to end. These are next steps to keep pressure on

OPINION July 26, 2023

Hunter Biden plea deal had to end. These are next steps to keep pressure on

A plea deal negotiated by a team of lawyers for Hunter Biden collapsed on Wednesday. Public outcry over Hunter's alleged corruption and crimes seems to be finally catching up with him.

Here's why FBI Director Wray's grilling failed and what should be done now

OPINION July 13, 2023

Here's why FBI Director Wray's grilling failed and what should be done now

In the past, congressional hearings into a variety of topics have produced real investigations. These days, we're just getting predictable political speeches. We need more from Congress.

The Durham report: Here's how we restore accountability and rule of law

OPINION May 21, 2023

The Durham report: Here's how we restore accountability and rule of law

Corruption and lies by the U.S. government were exposed last week in a nonpartisan, 300-page report by John Durham, one of the most apolitical prosecutors in the nation.

Prosecutorial abuse isn't just limited to Trump, but there is a silver lining

OPINION April 6, 2023

Prosecutorial abuse isn't just limited to Trump, but there is a silver lining

Former President Donald Trump was criminally indicted Tuesday in New York City. The miscarriage of justice initiated by Manhattan District Attorney Bragg should frighten all Americans.